Hungary's Paks Nuclear Plant Shutdown Amid Drought Sparks Energy Crisis Concerns
Hungary is facing a potential energy crisis as the Paks nuclear plant, a key component of the country's power system, is set to shut down due to low water levels in the Danube River. This marks the first complete shutdown of the Soviet-built facility in 44 years. The loss of output from the plant has prompted national energy-saving measures and offers of support from neighboring countries. With temperatures expected to rise above 40 degrees Celsius in Budapest amid a heatwave and drought across Europe, the Hungarian government has urged households and businesses to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours. An emergency plan has been prepared to temporarily restrict industrial consumption and increase output from other power plants. 
