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Famous tourist attractions that once illuminated the night in Budapest, Hungary, have begun turning off their lights. The Hungarian government has launched sweeping power-saving measures after a record-breaking heatwave and drought caused a sharp drop in the Danube River’s water level, putting pressure on the electricity supply.

On August 7 (local time), foreign media reported that the Hungarian government had turned off the nighttime illumination of major landmarks in the capital, including the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Széchenyi Bridge. As a result, buildings and bridges that used to shine their lights along the Danube River at night have now gone dark.

Authorities plan to maintain the switch-off of exterior lighting at major facilities as long as the power grid remains under pressure. It has been reported that tourists visiting Budapest have expressed disappointment over the changed nighttime scenery.

The usual view of Széchenyi Bridge, a landmark in Budapest, Hungary. Pixabay

The rationale behind the power-saving measures is the heatwave and drought that have swept across Europe. In particular, the significant drop in the Danube River’s water level has directly affected the operation of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which is responsible for supplying electricity in Hungary.

The Paks Nuclear Power Plant operates by drawing cooling water from the Danube River to cool its reactors. However, with the river’s water level dropping to as low as 23 centimeters recently, securing cooling water has become difficult. This is lower than the previous record low of 33 centimeters recorded in 2018.

Ultimately, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant reduced output before coming to a complete shutdown. It is the first full shutdown in 44 years since the plant’s first reactor began commercial operation in 1982. As the Paks Nuclear Power Plant accounts for a significant share of Hungary’s power generation, the shutdown is adding strain to the national electricity supply.

Trains Halted, Lights Out... Hungary Launches All-Out Power-Saving Effort

On the 3rd (local time), the water level of the Danube River in the Rasova region of Romania dropped, revealing sandy beaches. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Hungarian government has both imported additional electricity and asked businesses and households to cut consumption. Freight train operations during rush hours have been suspended, and some passenger trains are operating at reduced speeds. In addition, decorative lighting on public buildings has been curtailed. The government has also asked people to refrain from using air conditioning and charging electric vehicles during the evening.

Some energy-saving results have already emerged. The Hungarian government announced that daily electricity demand has dropped by about 700 megawatts, a reduction equivalent to the output of more than one Paks Nuclear Power Plant reactor. The expansion of solar power generation in recent years is also helping to supplement the electricity supply.

Neighboring Romania is also facing difficulties in operating its nuclear power plant due to lower Danube River water levels. The Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant is experiencing problems in securing cooling water, raising the possibility of a reactor shutdown. Authorities even carried out emergency operations such as blasting the rocky riverbed near the plant to ensure water flow around the facility.

The reduction in the Danube River's flow is not limited to power problems alone. It has been reported that, due to the falling water level in the Rhine River in Western Europe, cargo ships have been forced to significantly reduce their carrying capacity, disrupting logistics operations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.