Hungary Casts Doubt on Nuclear Plant Expansion After Danube Low Levels

(Bloomberg) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar cast doubt on the Russian-led expansion of the country’s sole nuclear power plant after the record-low level of the Danube river almost led to a full shutdown of the existing reactors.

The drought’s impact on water levels raises “questions” about the environmental license for two additional nuclear reactors, Magyar told reporters on Thursday at a press conference. He also pointed to the years-long delay in the Rosatom Corp.-led project as well as cost overruns.

Hungary agreed with Russia in 2014 to expand the four aging nuclear reactors at Paks. The project’s price tag is now estimated at twice the original cost of €12.5 billion ($14.4 billion), Magyar said.

At the same briefing, Magyar detailed emergency plans to raise the Danube’s level at Paks to ensure cooling water for the existing rectors. They include potentially sinking two barges close to the plant and the construction of a ground sill, which may take about 30 days.

Currently, only one of four reactors at Paks is operational after the others have been shut down in recent weeks to ensure safety. Paks generates 40% of Hungary’s electricity output.

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