Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant is moving back toward normal generation after weeks of restrictions linked to exceptionally low water levels on the Danube. The recovery is tied to improving river conditions that have allowed output to be restored progressively.
Paks reactors ramp up after river conditions improve
By 25 August, three of the plant’s four reactors were operating close to full capacity, producing a combined 1,448 MW. The fourth unit had restarted and was generating approximately 244 MW. Total site output had recovered to around 1.69 GW, compared with nominal capacity of roughly 2 GW.
The improvement follows better river conditions since 20 August, which supported the gradual return of generation after an unusually severe drought period. Earlier in August, low Danube levels sharply reduced cooling-water availability and forced three reactors offline.
Cooling-water measures and the earlier operating constraint
At the most constrained point, only one unit remained operating, running at roughly half capacity. Emergency measures were then undertaken to improve cooling-water availability for the plant.
Those steps included riverbed modifications, stone-filled barges, and an underwater barrier intended to increase local water level and direct more flow toward the plant’s intake. As conditions improved, the plant moved from the reduced operating state back toward higher output.
Impact on Hungary’s power balance and imports
The temporary nuclear shortfall altered Hungary’s generation balance during the restriction period. Solar became the country’s largest domestic electricity source during some periods, accounting for more than 55% of generation.
During the same period, imports increased to compensate for missing nuclear output. With all four Paks units now operating again, immediate supply pressure is easing.
The remaining operational item is the final ramp-up of the restarted unit, after which the plant is expected to return to its usual generation level.
