Hungary shut its only nuclear plant for the first time in 44 years

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant was forced to reduce capacity and is expected to shut down completely due to the drought affecting the Danube Hungary has ordered a complete shutdown of its only nuclear power plant after the Danube River fell to record-low levels, leaving intake pumps unable to draw enough water to cool its four reactors.The Paks Nuclear Power Plant, about 50 miles south of Budapest, produces nearly half of Hungary's electricity. Its closure leaves the country facing a major power shortage during an intense summer heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C.According to Reuters and comments made at the plant, Prime Minister Peter Magyar said the 2-gigawatt Soviet-built facility had already reduced output to around 10% of its normal capacity before shutting down completely.Record-low river levels force shutdownWater levels in the Danube at Paks are expected to fall to negative 144 centimetres, breaking the previous record of negative 98 centimetres set in 2018. A negative gauge reading means the river has dropped below the measuring station's reference level.Magyar said a reading of negative 134 centimetres automatically requires the plant to shut down to meet sa...