Hungary has announced plans to temporarily shut down one of its nuclear reactors as an intense heatwave sweeps across central Europe, pushing temperatures to record highs and straining the power grid.
Officials said the decision was made to protect equipment and ensure safe operating conditions at the plant, where cooling water from nearby rivers has become too warm to meet regulatory limits. With river levels also dropping during the prolonged hot spell, authorities determined that reducing output was the safest option until conditions improve.
The shutdown comes at a challenging time for the region, as demand for electricity has surged due to widespread use of air conditioning and cooling systems. Hungary’s grid operator said it is working to balance supply by importing power from neighboring countries and bringing additional gas-fired capacity online to cover the shortfall.
The heatwave has affected much of central Europe, with several countries reporting their hottest days of the year and issuing health warnings for vulnerable populations. Meteorologists expect the extreme temperatures to persist for several more days before a gradual cooldown.
Energy officials stressed that the nuclear plant closure is precautionary and that safety remains the priority. They added that crews are monitoring water temperatures and environmental impacts closely, and that the reactor will be brought back online once cooling conditions return to normal.
For households and businesses, the government has urged people to limit non-essential electricity use during peak afternoon hours to help ease pressure on the system while the heatwave continues.
