European Energy Crisis Worsens as Drought Forces Nuclear Plant Shutdowns
Europe is facing an escalating energy crisis as extreme heat and drought have led to record low water levels in major rivers like the Danube and Rhine. This situation has forced Hungary and Romania to shut down nuclear power plants that rely on river water for cooling. Hungary's largest nuclear power plant, Paks, which supplies nearly half of the country's electricity, has been operating at less than 50% capacity and is expected to be completely powered down due to insufficient water levels. Similarly, Romania has shut down a reactor unit at the Cernavodă power plant for safety reasons, with plans to shut down a second unit. The Hungarian government has urged citizens to reduce energy use during peak hours, and industries such as carmakers and battery manufacturers have been ordered to cut power and water consumption. 
