Key facts
- Hungary plans to sink two barges in the Danube River.
- The purpose is to raise water levels for nuclear plant cooling.
- The Paks nuclear plant is affected by the low water levels.
- The plant is operating at reduced capacity.
- A historic drought is causing the low water levels.
Hungary intends to sink two barges in the Danube River as a measure to bolster cooling capabilities for the Paks nuclear power plant. The country is facing a historic drought that has led to critically low water levels in the Danube. These low water levels are impacting the nuclear facility's ability to maintain adequate cooling, forcing it to operate at reduced capacity. By sinking the barges, Hungary aims to displace water and thereby raise the river's level in the vicinity of the plant. This intervention is designed to ensure that the Paks nuclear power plant can continue to operate safely and effectively, despite the environmental challenges posed by the drought. The Paks plant is a significant source of electricity for Hungary, and maintaining its operational status is a priority for the nation's energy supply.