The situation at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant is improving rapidly. Prime Minister Péter Magyar reported from the site on Sunday morning that, of the eight turbines, four are already operating again. The construction of the riverbed sill is also progressing faster than expected.
The Prime Minister stated that turbines are being reconnected continuously. By Wednesday, the plant’s output is expected to reach its full capacity of 2000 megawatts again. This amount can cover about 35 percent of the country’s electricity consumption.
Officials provided further details on the ongoing work. József Gacsályi from the National Water Directorate reported that the river’s water level has already been raised by about 15 centimeters. The focus is now on stabilizing it. The goal of the riverbed sill and other water management interventions is to continuously ensure the water level required for the nuclear plant’s turbines.
Significant cost savings have been achieved during the construction. Brigadier General Pál Kádár announced that building the sill is proving to be cheaper than anticipated, with at least 600 million forints saved so far. The project has also received substantial corporate support, including the provision of about 5000 tons of stone.
Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy István Kapitány highlighted the broad cooperation that made managing the situation successful. He expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the recent efforts. According to the minister, 84 percent of the population adapted to the situation by changing their energy consumption habits, and companies also significantly reduced their usage.
- Continuous reconnection of turbines
- Full capacity expected by Wednesday
- 15 cm increase in river water level
- 600 million forints saved
- 5000 tons of stone provided
- 84 percent of population adapting energy habits
Looking to the future, Minister Kapitány emphasized the need to diversify Hungary’s energy mix and expand storage capacity. The current storage capacity of less than 1000 megawatts is planned to be increased to 3000 megawatts.
Prime Minister Magyar stressed that the work proves that with proper cooperation, Hungary can quickly solve serious challenges. He recalled that only eleven days have passed since the government’s decision to act. There was a moment when stopping the plant was a matter of mere millimeters. Thanks to the current technical solution, a water level increase of about 15-20 centimeters can now be secured.
The Prime Minister also spoke about future legislative steps. After the work at Paks is concluded, the government will submit necessary laws to Parliament concerning climate, water, and energy management. Just as we managed to save Paks, we will manage to save our country Magyar stated.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Turbine Status | 4 out of 8 turbines operational |
| Expected Output | 2000 megawatts |
| Cost Savings | 600 million forints |
| Stone Provision | 5000 tons |
| Environmental Adaptation | 84 percent of population adjusted consumption |
| Future Storage Capacity | Planned increase to 3000 megawatts |
The combined efforts of intensive work, government decisions, the construction of the sill, and the weather have all contributed to the Danube’s water level rising faster than expected. The immediate danger has passed, and the Paks Nuclear Power Plant is on track to resume full-capacity operation.
