Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant has reduced generation again after electricity could not be sold economically during low-price hours. The latest adjustment reflects how the country’s expanding solar fleet is changing the operating pattern expected of baseload generation.
On Sept. 27, Paks cut output by 92 MW between 11:45 and 16:00 due to market conditions. The reduction was scheduled in response to wholesale price levels rather than equipment problems.
Scheduled nuclear curtailments tied to wholesale price levels
MVM has reported at least eight similar scheduled reductions since May. Reported examples include a 104 MW cut on Aug. 30 and a 69 MW reduction on Sept. 6. These curtailments are distinct from technical outages.
The cuts occur when wholesale prices fall enough that full nuclear production cannot be placed in the market economically. In those periods, nuclear output is adjusted to match what can be sold at prevailing prices.
Solar growth increases midday surpluses and price pressure
Hungary now has more than 8 GW of solar, contributing to larger midday surpluses during sunny, low-demand periods. This development increases price cannibalisation beyond photovoltaic generators themselves.
Nuclear plants, which have traditionally operated almost continuously, are increasingly being asked to respond to electricity-market conditions. The pattern links low-price hours with curtailments at Paks rather than with forced outages.
Flexibility needs highlighted for storage and demand response
The repeated Paks reductions strengthen the case for batteries and other flexible demand that can absorb excess daytime power. Without sufficient storage, Hungary can face a combination of midday curtailments for low-cost generation and expensive evening scarcity after photovoltaic output drops.
The government’s review of Paks II and its broader storage strategy is expected to address this balance between surplus daytime power and limited flexibility at other times.
