Danube Levels Drop and Power Cut: The Extreme Crisis Gripping Europe

Hungary is facing a severe energy crisis after a harsh drought and intense heatwave pushed temperatures to record highs of 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. The unprecedented low water level of the Danube, which has exposed the riverbed, serves as a stark wake-up call regarding the reality of the climate crisis.

The low water level of the Danube, which serves as cooling water for Hungary's only nuclear power plant, forced the facility—the backbone of the local power grid—to operate at just over 10% of its full capacity for several weeks. This situation created immense pressure on the energy sector, led to a surge in energy imports, and resulted in a potential shortage of electricity supply capacity.

Against the backdrop of the crisis, the government of Prime Minister Péter Magyar issued an urgent appeal to the public and industry to conserve electricity. Companies and households responded in a voluntary and unprecedented manner, reducing daily electricity consumption by 600 to 700 MW during critical peak hours between 17:00 and 22:00. This saving is equivalent to turning off about a million average air conditioners.

As part of the measures taken, 837 medium and large companies implemented voluntary reductions, the Hungarian State Railways halted freight transport during peak hours to save up to 90 MW, and decorative lighting at several famous historical sites in Budapest was switched off. Additionally, many residents report that they have almost completely reduced the use of air conditioners and non-essential electrical appliances in their homes.