Output curtailment linked to cooling water temperature
Hungary has granted a temporary exemption for Paks, the country’s nuclear power plant, after unusually high temperatures in the Danube raised pressure on environmental operating limits. The measure follows several days of reduced output at Hungary’s only nuclear facility. Generation was curtailed in coordination with transmission system operator MAVIR, with reductions of 243 MW on Saturday and 320 MW on Sunday.
Regulatory temperature thresholds and Monday readings
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 intervention, the plant would have been required to cut output by an additional 640 MW.
Temporary exemption covering 29 and 30 June
The Hungarian Energy Ministry approved an exemption covering 29 and 30 June. The approval allows the plant to limit further reductions to just 40 MW instead of deeper curtailments. 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.
Minister says protections remain under monitoring
Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány said the exemption is needed to safeguard electricity security amid extreme heat affecting much of Europe. He stated that environmental protections remain in place during the exemption period. Monitoring will continue for river temperature levels and ecosystem conditions throughout 29 and 30 June.
