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Hungary Sees Temporary Relief for Paks Nuclear Plant, Reviews Expansion Plans

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Hungary expects only limited improvement at its Paks nuclear plant as higher Danube water levels offer temporary relief, Prime Minister Peter Magyar said Friday.

Magyar said rainfall in Austria should lift the Danube by about 20 centimeters over the next few days, but the increase is likely to prove temporary as dry weather returns, leaving operating conditions at the Paks nuclear plant difficult.

The plant, which supplies almost half of Hungary's electricity, has operated at about 10% capacity since last week after prolonged heat and record-low river levels restricted cooling, according to a Reuters report.

Magyar said another turbine could restart Monday, potentially doubling output.

Magyar said cooler temperatures and stable energy and water supplies have eliminated the need for last week's electricity-saving measures, including reduced evening consumption and dimmed lighting in Budapest.

However, Magyar said the government continues to prepare long-term solutions in case persistently low Danube water levels become permanent, stressing Hungary cannot rely on the Paks plant operating at sharply reduced capacity for months.

Magyar also called for a review of the planned Paks 2 expansion, saying the project now costs roughly twice its original estimate after years of delays. He added current plans still rely on Danube water for cooling, making a redesign necessary.

Magyar said Hungary remains committed to expanding renewable generation and will launch a tender for 700 megawatts of wind capacity by Aug. 31, supporting the country's target to build 4 gigawatts of wind power by 2030.

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