Nuclear power cuts in Hungary as the Danube heats up
7:52 AM EDT, August 17, 2024
Due to the high water temperature in the Danube, the nuclear power plant in Paks, central Hungary, reduced production by 240 MW, as reported on Friday on its official website. A day earlier, the ministry allowed the limits of water heating discharged from the plant into the river to be exceeded.
The water temperature in the Danube reached 85.6°F on Friday at the measurement section of the nuclear power plant in Paks. Hence, the plant operator reported that from 3 PM, production in three out of four blocks will be reduced by 240 MW.
Due to the heatwave, the first production limitation of 80 MW in one of the blocks occurred on Thursday. In the second half of the week, air temperatures in Paks and the surrounding area reached 100.4°F.
The minister received new powers
A decree was published in the Hungarian Official Gazette on Thursday evening, according to which the energy minister decides whether the water in the Danube is too warm to cool the reactors. The new regulations came into effect on Friday.
Earlier regulations stated that cooling water discharged into the Danube should not exceed 86°F. According to Thursday's decree, this limit can be exceeded by ministerial decisions to ensure the continuity of energy supply.
"This change is not good news for the Danube, its wildlife, and the environment as a whole," commented the Telex portal on Friday. The government's regulatory adjustment has sparked protests from Hungarian non-governmental organizations concerned with environmental protection.
Key power plant
The only Hungarian nuclear power plant in Paks has four active blocks with a total capacity of 2000 MW, which covers over 40% of the country's electricity demand. It began operations in the mid-80s and was planned to withdraw in the mid-30s of the 21st century. However, the government in Budapest wants to extend its operation by another 20 years.
The Russian state corporation Rosatom is expanding the plant with two new blocks, each with a capacity of 1200 MW. This is one of Viktor Orban's government's key energy projects. The total investment is expected to be approximately $12 billion, with 80% of the costs covered by a Russian loan.
