04.08.2026 15:45
In the Danube River, one of Europe's most important water sources, water levels have receded to historic lows due to extreme heat and drought. While nuclear and hydroelectric power plant production in Hungary, Romania, and Serbia has decreased significantly, restrictions on electricity consumption have been introduced to prevent an energy crisis, and production has been suspended at some industrial facilities.
The extreme heat and drought affecting Europe have brought the Danube River, one of the continent's most important water sources, to a critical level. The record drop in the river's water level has negatively impacted energy production facilities, particularly nuclear power plants.
HISTORIC DECLINE IN THE DANUBE
In Budapest, the capital of Hungary, the water level of the Danube River fell to as low as 10 centimeters at the beginning of the week, dropping below the previous record of 33 centimeters measured in 2018. Air temperatures reaching 38 degrees in the region and the lack of expected rainfall in the near term have increased concerns.
PRODUCTION AT NUCLEAR PLANT GREATLY REDUCED
At the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which cools its reactors with water from the Danube River and meets about half of Hungary's electricity needs, daily electricity production has dropped from 2,000 megawatts to as low as 240 megawatts.
Due to the crisis, the Hungarian government has imposed electricity consumption restrictions on large industrial enterprises and called on citizens to save. Additionally, time restrictions have been introduced for electric train services.
EXPLOSIVE INTERVENTION IN ROMANIA
A similar situation occurred in Romania. Authorities used 180 kilograms of explosives to blast rocks in the riverbed to ensure more water reached the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.
At the plant, which meets about 20 percent of the country's electricity needs, one reactor was taken offline due to the low water level, while a risk emerged for the second reactor as well.
AUTOMOBILE FACTORIES PAUSE PRODUCTION
Upon the request of the Romanian government, which aims to prevent the energy crisis from growing, automobile manufacturers Dacia and Ford have decided to pause production until August 19.
Meanwhile, in Serbia, it was reported that due to the retreat of the Danube River, the country's main hydroelectric power plant could only operate at 20 percent of its capacity.