Hungary lifts emergency power-saving measures as Paks output begins to recover
SZEGED, Hungary – Hungary has lifted emergency electricity-saving measures introduced during last week’s extreme heat and energy crisis as power and drinking water supplies stabilized and rising Danube levels allowed another turbine at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant to begin returning to service.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Monday that the Danube at Paks was 19 centimeters higher than its low point a week earlier and that the restart process had begun for the No. 3 turbine of the plant’s second unit. The turbine is expected to begin generating electricity again Monday evening.
Paks had been operating at only a fraction of its normal capacity after historically low Danube levels sharply reduced the amount of cooling water available to the plant. On Friday, the government said electricity and drinking water supplies were stable and that the temporary conservation measures were no longer necessary.
The improvement marks a significant change from the beginning of August, when falling river levels raised the possibility of the first complete shutdown of the nuclear plant in its history.
Emergency electricity-saving measures lifted
The government has ended its request for households and businesses to voluntarily reduce electricity use, including the earlier appeal to postpone non-essential consumption during the 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. peak period.
Extraordinary remote-work arrangements for eligible state employees have also ended, rail freight services that had been suspended between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. have resumed, and decorative lighting at public buildings can be switched back on.
The government had introduced the measures after output at Paks fell dramatically and unusually high temperatures increased electricity demand, particularly from air conditioning. Hundreds of businesses also voluntarily reorganized production or reduced consumption during the most critical period.
Although conditions have improved, the situation at Paks remains closely tied to Danube levels. Magyar said Friday that the expected rise in the river could be temporary, with further dry weather forecast after rainfall in the upper Danube catchment.
No water restrictions in Szeged
No water-use restrictions are currently in effect in Szeged.
An earlier government announcement had suggested that Level I water restrictions applied nationwide, but the ministry later corrected the information, clarifying that such measures must be introduced by individual municipalities based on local conditions.
Szeged did not introduce the restriction. Mayor László Botka said the Szeged Waterworks has sufficient capacity to meet demand, with production capacity roughly twice the city's current water needs. Residents have nevertheless been encouraged to use drinking water responsibly during the prolonged drought and hot weather.
Several of Szeged’s public fountains are also continuing to operate on a reduced schedule to save energy. Under measures introduced Aug. 4, operating fountains run daily from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., while some smaller fountains have been temporarily drained where adequate water circulation cannot be maintained. Decorative lighting has been switched off at older fountains, although the LED-lit fountain in Móra Park remains illuminated in the evening.
Fire ban remains in effect
The easing of electricity-saving measures does not mean drought-related restrictions have ended.
A fire ban remains in effect in Csongrád-Csanád County, including restrictions on lighting fires in forests and wooded areas and within 200 meters (656 feet) of them. The ban also covers designated forest fire pits.
The continued risk was underscored over the weekend, when firefighters responded to several outdoor fires across Csongrád-Csanád County, including a blaze that burned about nine hectares in Szeged’s Baktó neighborhood.
Authorities continue to urge caution as drought and dry vegetation keep the risk of wildfires high, even as the immediate pressure on Hungary’s electricity system eases.
Featured image only for illustration. Source: Unsplash
