The nuclear power plant at Paks, the only one in Hungary, which covers, at full capacity, 40% of the country’s electricity generation, is gradually returning to normal production levels. It is already operating at half of its nominal power after reconnecting seven out of the eight turbines.
„The reconnection of the plant is progressing according to schedule,” explained Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who was present at Paks, south of Budapest, emphasizing that production will continue to increase, already reaching 1,000 MW.
Magyar assured that he expects the plant to reach its maximum production of 2,000 MW on Wednesday, as reported by the EFE agency, cited by Agerpres.
In the first days of August, the level of the Danube dropped to historic lows due to drought and heatwaves, leading to the disconnection of seven out of the eight turbines of the plant, two for each reactor.
Ten days ago, the government in Budapest decided to carry out works to attempt to increase the level of the Danube and thus avoid the total shutdown of the plant, which would have hindered the resumption of production.
To ensure the operation of the plant, on August 13, work began on a bottom weir, a kind of embankment, and two barges were submerged to divert a larger water flow towards the channel that supplies water to the plant.
The Paks plant was built 44 years ago, using Soviet technology, and has never been completely disconnected to date.
Magyar announced new state programs to avoid situations like those of recent weeks, but for now, he has not provided more details, as reported by EFE.