Hungary has approved a temporary exemption for the Paks nuclear power plant from environmental operating limits after unusually high temperatures were recorded in the Danube. The change was linked to conditions that could have required deeper reductions in electricity generation. The decision was issued by the Hungarian Energy Ministry.
Output curtailment tied to cooling water temperature
Several days of reduced output preceded the exemption. In coordination with transmission system operator MAVIR, generation was curtailed by 243 MW on Saturday and a further 320 MW on Sunday. The curtailments were attributed to rising cooling water temperatures increasing pressure on operational limits.
Under standard regulations, water temperature measured within 500 meters of the discharge point must not exceed 30°C. On Monday, readings reached 30.22°C, surpassing both the 29.5°C intervention threshold and the legal limit. Without additional measures, the plant would have been required to reduce output by a further 640 MW.
Temporary exemption for 29 and 30 June
The Hungarian Energy Ministry approved an exemption covering 29 and 30 June. The approval allows the plant to restrict further reductions to just 40 MW. This permits higher nuclear output during the ongoing heatwave.
Plant operators said Danube water temperatures will continue to be monitored daily. Production adjustments will be made in coordination with MAVIR, based on environmental conditions and system demand . Environmental protections remain in place during the exemption period.
Minister says electricity security remains a priority
István Kapitány, Economy and Energy Minister, said the exemption was necessary to safeguard electricity security amid extreme heat affecting much of Europe. He added that monitoring will continue for both river temperature levels and ecosystem conditions throughout the period .
