Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant restarted its reactor 3 late Saturday, with the facility expected to reach full capacity by Wednesday. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the update on Sunday, noting that the return to full 2,000-megawatt output could occur a day or two earlier than previously projected.
The 2-gigawatt facility, which generates nearly half of Hungary’s electricity, had previously reduced its output to just over 10% earlier this month. The reduction was caused by record-low water levels on the Danube River following a historic drought, which threatened the plant's ability to cool its systems.
As of Sunday, the plant was producing approximately 800 megawatts of electricity, with four of its eight turbines operational. Prime Minister Magyar stated that the restart process is currently underway to bring all turbines back online.
To stabilize operations, the Hungarian government implemented several engineering measures. Last week, workers began constructing a riverbed sill, a crosswise dam-like structure, to regulate water flow. Additionally, two barges were sunk near the plant as a short-term measure to raise water levels sufficiently to maintain operation of two turbines during the construction process.
For the millions of residents and small-business owners in Hungary, the return to full output ensures greater stability in the energy supply as the country manages the effects of a historic drought. The event highlights how extreme weather conditions, such as the record-low levels of the Danube, can directly impact utility services and national infrastructure. The engineering response, which included sinking two barges and building a riverbed sill, represents a concrete shift in how the state manages its water resources to protect its 2,000-megawatt energy asset.
The situation sets a precedent for how nuclear facilities reliant on river cooling may need to adapt to climate-related water scarcity. The knock-on effects include the long-term presence of new riverbed structures that will permanently alter the Danube's flow near Paks. While the plant is expected to be fully operational by Wednesday, the government continues work on the riverbed sill to prevent future shutdowns if water levels remain low. Additional monitoring of the Danube's water levels will likely remain a priority for the operator to avoid further output cuts.