Hungary slashes power use as drought cripples nuclear plant

Hungary has introduced emergency electricity conservation measures after prolonged drought and record-low water levels in the Danube River severely affected the country's only nuclear power plant, forcing operators to sharply reduce electricity generation, AP reports.

The plant, which depends on water from the Danube to cool its reactors, has cut output to approximately 10% of its normal production capacity as the country endures a record-breaking heat wave.

In response, the government has called on households and major industrial consumers to reduce electricity use, particularly during peak demand hours between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., in an effort to stabilize the power grid.

Authorities have also introduced a range of temporary energy-saving measures. Freight train operations have been suspended during peak evening hours, while decorative lighting on prominent landmarks across Budapest has been switched off to reduce electricity consumption.

Several of Hungary's largest industrial companies have pledged to curb power use, including energy group Mol, pharmaceutical manufacturer Gedeon Richter, and automakers Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.

The government has also canceled parliamentary sessions this week as part of its broader efforts to conserve electricity during the energy shortage.

The power-saving campaign comes as Hungary experiences one of its most severe heat waves on record. The prolonged period of extreme temperatures has intensified pressure on the country's energy infrastructure while reducing water levels in the Danube, limiting the cooling capacity of the nuclear facility.

Weather records continue to be broken across the country. On August 5 night, Budapest registered its highest-ever overnight minimum temperature, with the mercury falling only to 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), highlighting the persistence and intensity of the ongoing heat wave.

By Vafa Guliyeva