Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant is moving back toward normal generation after weeks of restrictions linked to exceptionally low water levels on the Danube. The recovery is tied to improving river conditions that have allowed the plant to restore output following the drought period.
Output levels after reactors restart
By 25 August, three of the plant’s four reactors were operating close to full capacity, producing a combined 1,448 MW. The fourth unit had restarted and was generating approximately 244 MW. Total site output had recovered to around 1.69 GW, compared with nominal capacity of roughly 2 GW.
The restoration follows improving river conditions since 20 August, which enabled the plant to progressively increase generation. Earlier in August, low Danube levels had sharply reduced cooling-water availability and forced three reactors offline.
Cooling-water constraints and emergency measures
At the most constrained point, only one unit remained operating, running at roughly half capacity. Emergency measures were undertaken to improve cooling-water availability during the period of restricted river flows.
The measures included riverbed modifications, stone-filled barges, and an underwater barrier intended to increase local water level and direct more flow toward the plant’s intake.
Impact on Hungary’s generation mix
The temporary nuclear shortfall changed Hungary’s generation balance during the restrictions. Solar became the country’s largest domestic electricity source during some periods, accounting for more than 55% of generation.
Imports increased to compensate for missing nuclear output while three reactors were offline. With all four Paks units now operating again, immediate supply pressure is easing.
The remaining operational item is the final ramp-up of the restarted unit, after which the plant is expected to return to its usual generation level.
