Hungary's nuclear power plant, Paks, came "within millimetres" of a complete shutdown overnight, according to Prime Minister Péter Magyar. The near-shutdown was attributed to extremely low water levels in the Danube River, which are complicating energy generation in parts of south-eastern Europe.
Magyar stated on social media that at approximately 1:30 a.m., the plant was very close to ceasing operations. However, the water level subsequently stopped falling and increased by 1.5 centimetres by morning. The last turbine at the Paks Power Plant is currently operating safely.
The Prime Minister expressed hope for a potentially significant amount of rain in Austrian catchment areas around Thursday, which could help alleviate immediate drought pressure on the Danube. He noted that if this occurs, water levels downstream in Hungary could rise within a week. However, he also indicated that several factors would determine if the plant could avoid a complete shutdown in the coming days, as the country continues to experience a heatwave.