Central and southern Europe brace for heatwave – Europe live

Central and southern Europe are bracing for a heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 37C in Budapest and Vienna, and potentially near 40C elsewhere. This extreme weather poses a risk of an energy crunch. Hungary has shut down most of its sole nuclear power plant, a significant energy provider, for the first time in 44 years. The shutdown is due to falling water levels in the Danube River, which are too low to safely cool the plant's operations. The plant is expected to be completely powered down later this week as Danube water levels are projected to continue dropping.

Hungary will shut down its sole nuclear power plant, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, on Sunday due to record-low water levels on the Danube River. The plant, which supplies nearly half of Hungary's electricity, requires Danube water for reactor cooling, and current levels are too low for its pumps to operate effectively. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the shutdown, noting that output had significantly decreased. This is the first full shutdown in the plant's 44-year history. The drought affecting the Danube has also led to water-use restrictions in over 100 Hungarian cities and villages and impacted other sectors like shipping and agriculture. Slovakia has offered assistance if needed.

Hungary's sole nuclear power plant, MVM Paks, is set for its first-ever complete shutdown due to record-low water levels on the Danube River. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that the plant, which uses Danube water for cooling, is already operating at less than half capacity and is expected to be fully powered down by Tuesday or Wednesday. This unprecedented closure, driven by a prolonged drought across Central Europe, could last for several weeks as the river is forecast to continue receding. The shutdown poses no risk to the public or environment, but it significantly impacts Hungary's electricity production, as the Paks plant supplies nearly half of the country's power. In response to the energy crisis, the government has requested voluntary energy consumption reductions from large companies and ordered state institutions to turn off decorative lighting.

Hungary's sole nuclear power plant, Paks, will cease operations for the first time due to record-low water levels on the Danube River. Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced on Friday that the plant, located south of Budapest, is currently running at less than half its usual capacity. The Paks plant relies on the Danube for cooling its reactors, and the exceptionally low water levels are hindering the pumps' ability to supply sufficient water. The shutdown is expected to last several weeks, as the river is predicted to continue receding.