Hungary

Hungary is currently experiencing a significant energy challenge as its sole nuclear power plant, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, has been forced to shut down. This unprecedented closure is a direct consequence of record-low water levels in the Danube River, which are insufficient for the cooling systems required to operate the plant safely. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the full shutdown, with one reactor already offline and the second to follow. The plant supplies nearly half of Hungary's electricity, and its extended closure poses a major test for the nation's energy supply and economy. The situation highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to climate change impacts, specifically severe droughts and their effect on vital waterways. The plant may remain offline for several weeks as the Danube is expected to continue receding, underscoring the immediate relevance of climate-induced disruptions to national stability and energy security.