Hungary Casts Doubt on 2-Reactor Paks Expansion as Danube Lows Threaten Existing Plant
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 13
Hungary Casts Doubt on 2-Reactor Paks Expansion as Danube Lows Threaten Existing Plant
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Aug 13
Summary
Peter Magyar said record-low Danube levels that nearly forced a full shutdown of Hungary’s only nuclear plant have put the planned two-reactor Paks expansion in doubt.
The prime minister said the drought raises questions about the project’s environmental license, adding to concerns over the Russian-led development’s long delays and cost overruns.
At the existing Paks plant, extreme heat and low river levels had already cut output to about 10%, underscoring the cooling-water risk behind Magyar’s warning.
The remarks deepen uncertainty around Hungary’s deal with Rosatom and point to broader pressure on river-cooled nuclear assets as drought and heat intensify.