Hungary’s lone nuclear power plant is set to close for the first time in its history due to exceptionally low water levels in the Danube River caused by a severe drought. The country’s Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, expressed concerns about potential blackouts in the coming days as the plant, located south of Budapest, is currently operating at reduced capacity.

The plant relies on water from the Danube for cooling its reactors, but the river’s drying up has led to a significant drop in electricity generation, with the plant producing only half of its usual output. The Prime Minister warned of a possible energy crisis and announced plans for further reductions in power production, with a complete shutdown likely by mid-week.

In response to the impending energy shortfall, the Hungarian government has urged households and businesses to reduce their energy consumption voluntarily, especially during peak demand hours. Water restrictions have also been imposed in numerous cities and villages, including areas surrounding Budapest.

The situation has prompted concerns across Europe, with the European Commission closely monitoring the developments in Hungary and considering convening an emergency meeting to address the energy supply challenges. The impact of the crisis could result in significant financial losses for Hungary due to increased energy import costs.

Additionally, the drought affecting the Danube has caused ripple effects in neighboring countries, such as Romania, where efforts to divert water towards a nuclear power plant have been undertaken to address the low water levels. Controlled underwater explosions have been conducted to redirect water flow and ensure continued operation of the plant amidst the environmental crisis.