Danube Drought Threatens Nuclear Power in Hungary, Romania

Record-low water levels on the Danube River are putting nuclear power plants in Hungary and Romania under severe strain as a summer heatwave grips central and eastern Europe. Hungary's Paks nuclear plant, which normally supplies roughly half the country's electricity, is currently operating at only about 10% of capacity because there is not enough river water to cool its reactors.

In Romania, the military blew up a rock outcrop in the Danube in an effort to improve water flow toward the Cernavoda nuclear plant, which relies on the river for cooling. Falling water levels across the region are also cutting output at hydroelectric facilities and raising concerns about wider electricity shortages this summer.

Governments across central and eastern Europe are taking steps to conserve electricity as officials warn the drought could deepen before the season ends. Engineers at both plants are monitoring river levels closely, and further capacity cuts are possible if the dry conditions persist into the coming weeks.