Hungary's Prime Minister Peter Magyar has acknowledged that the Paks nuclear plant continues to face 'difficult' conditions, with the facility still operating at just 10% capacity. The plant's output has been severely curtailed due to a prolonged heatwave and record-low water levels in the Danube river, which it relies on for cooling.
In a video posted on Facebook on Friday, Magyar noted that rains in Austria are expected to temporarily raise the Danube's water levels by about 20 cm in the coming days. However, he warned that this increase would likely be short-lived. Further rainfall is not forecasted.
Earlier this week, Magyar had called for reduced energy use among citizens and businesses. He particularly urged this during evening hours. He also ordered the dimming of decorative lighting in Budapest's historic areas. But with temperatures now expected to drop. Energy and water supplies are reported as stable. These measures have been lifted.
Magyar praised the public's response to the energy-saving appeal, citing early surveys indicating that nearly all Hungarian families adjusted their usage. He emphasized the importance of long-term planning, announcing government efforts to invest in making Hungary's energy and water supply more resilient to future climate challenges.
Magyar also outlined plans to develop 4 gigawatts of wind energy capacity by 2030, aiming to diversify the country's energy sources. Europe, the continent warming at the fastest rate globally, has faced extreme heat and devastating wildfires this summer, with France and Spain among the hardest-hit nations.
Climate adaptation on the agenda
Magyar said climate change is already impacting Hungary and that the country must now build infrastructure and systems that can withstand the new normal. He did not provide specific investment figures but said the government would explore the needed steps.