Hungary's energy crisis: Paks nuclear plant to be shut down for first time in over 40 years
Photo: Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant (wikipedia.org)
Electricity consumption by Hungarian businesses will be restricted in the coming days. Otherwise, the energy crisis will affect all consumers, states Hungarian Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, 24.hu reports.
Hungary on the brink of an energy crisis
Due to a record-low water level in the Danube River, Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant will be completely shut down for the first time in 44 years. On July 29, the Dunamenti Power Plant was also taken offline because of a technical malfunction.
At the same time, electricity demand is expected to reach a historic high, Magyar said.
"No later than Monday, Hungary could lose up to 2,000 megawatts of electricity generation, while demand from households and other consumers will increase due to rising temperatures," he said.
Because of the severe energy crisis, production at major industrial consumers may be restricted and, in some cases, temporarily suspended.
Who will be required to cut electricity use
Following government instructions, grid operator MAVIR has asked the following major consumers to reduce electricity consumption during evening hours:
- Battery manufacturing plants,
- Cement factories,
- Chemical plants,
- Automotive factories and other industrial facilities.
If necessary, the government may temporarily disconnect major consumers from the grid on a planned basis. Relevant legislation is currently being prepared, the prime minister said.
Will a state of emergency be declared?
The Hungarian government is preparing for a potential energy crisis and has proposed the following measures:
- Mobilize available domestic power generation reserves,
- Secure the necessary electricity imports,
- Reduce non-essential energy consumption in government buildings.
Magyar also urged the public to limit electric vehicle charging and air conditioner use between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
"As a last resort, MAVIR will implement rolling blackouts to maintain the balance of the national power grid," the prime minister stressed.
As previously reported, Ukraine could face an increase in electricity consumption of as much as one gigawatt starting August 3 due to extreme heat.
Georgia has experienced its second major blackout in less than 48 hours. Tbilisi and other major cities were left without power, while metro services, water supply systems, and public transportation faced disruptions.
