The Danube is running dry, and Europe’s power grid is suffering as a result
Record-low water levels are forcing nuclear and hydropower plants to curb output as governments urge electricity conservation.
Low water levels on the Danube River are causing power plants in Central and Eastern Europe to face imminent shutdowns, prompting governments to implement conservation measures. Hungary's sole nuclear power plant at Paks, which relies on Danube water for cooling, is producing only 240 megawatts, down from the usual 2,000 megawatts.
The plant, located 90 kilometers south of Budapest, accounts for nearly half of Hungary's electricity production. Hungary has asked major industrial users to reduce electricity consumption and sought voluntary savings from households. Serbia and Romania are also grappling with low Danube levels, with Romania's military using explosives to redirect water and close a reactor unit at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant.
Serbia's key hydroelectric plant operates at just 20% capacity, and Prime Minister Djuro Macut has appealed to residents to minimize electricity use, especially for big consumers like air conditioners.
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