Record-low water levels and high temperatures in rivers like the Danube, Garonne, and Meuse are forcing nuclear power plants in Hungary and France to temporarily reduce their output, impacting European electricity prices and grid stability.
Europe's nuclear power sector faces severe disruptions as record heatwaves, droughts, and nearby wildfires threaten plant cooling systems, forcing closures and output reductions across the continent.
Hungary's Lake Velence reaches a historic low water level of 29 centimeters amid severe drought and 40-degree heat, threatening fish populations, tourism, and causing energy crises.
Prolonged hot and dry weather in Central and Eastern Europe has led to power shortages, impacting industry. Hungary's Paks nuclear plant operates at 10% capacity, Romania's navy demolishes a rocky outcrop to aid the Cernavoda plant, and Serbia's hydroelectric output is severely reduced.
Four employees of the Russian-controlled Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) were injured in Energodar after a Ukrainian drone allegedly planted mines in the industrial zone and city entrance. The ZNPP stated that the remote mining targeted civilians and vital infrastructure.
Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant, currently operating at reduced capacity, may fully shut down later this week due to record-low water levels in the Danube River, which are critical for cooling its reactors. Prime Minister Peter Magyar indicated it could operate until "Monday or Tuesday."
Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant, supplying half the nation's electricity, has shut down completely due to record-low Danube River levels, preventing sufficient cooling water intake. The closure during an intense heatwave forces Hungary to rely on costly imports and implement conservation measures.
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) stated that Ukrainian attacks near its critical facilities, including a drone strike near power unit No. 3, create additional nuclear safety risks, despite personnel maintaining control and natural radiation levels.
Hungary's Paks nuclear plant, responsible for 40% of the nation's electricity, has fully shut down for the first time in 44 years due to record low Danube River levels, straining energy supplies and posing a major test for the economy and PM Péter Magyar.
Ukrainian drones struck three oil refineries in Russia's Bashkortostan and a sanctioned Russian ship in the Black Sea. Concurrently, Russian missile and drone attacks killed at least nine in Kyiv, wounded 33, and damaged infrastructure, including Lithuania's embassy. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant also briefly lost off-site power.
Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant was shut down on August 2 due to critically low Danube River water levels, caused by severe heatwaves. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the halt, marking the first complete shutdown in 44 years.
Hungary will shut down its Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which supplies nearly half its electricity, on Sunday due to record-low Danube River levels impacting cooling water availability. This marks the plant's first full shutdown in its 44-year history.
Iran's president declared "full-scale war" as US expanded aerial campaigns and Tehran struck Gulf allies. Attacks hit Iran's Tabriz and Bushehr, while Iran targeted Bahrain and Kuwait. Houthis blockaded Saudi ports, impacting oil prices, despite ongoing de-escalation talks.
Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant, Rooppur, is nearing completion on the Padma river, set to supply 15% of the nation's electricity by 2028. The project aims to reduce fossil fuel reliance despite cost escalations, with small modular reactors also being explored for future diversification.
Burundi is seeking Russian technical assistance for the construction of small nuclear power plants. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Burundi has signed a memorandum with Rosatom, and training for Burundian nationals is already underway in Russia.
Heads of Rosatom and the IAEA met in Kaliningrad to discuss the Zaporozhye and Bushehr nuclear power plants. Rosatom's chief expressed concern over "psychological attacks" and warned of potential catastrophe.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev stated that Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) will be commissioned before the end of 2026. He described the project as a key task for Russia's state atomic energy corporation.
The US and Iran engaged in retaliatory strikes on Thursday, escalating a conflict over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran targeted US-allied Kuwait and Qatar, while the US struck near Iran's nuclear power plant. The tit-for-tat attacks occurred before the funeral of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
The US launched new airstrikes against Iran, targeting military bases and infrastructure, hours after President Trump threatened escalation over attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting US-allied Kuwait and Qatar and accused the US of striking near its nuclear plant. The tit-for-tat strikes are the most intense since a ceasefire memorandum was signed.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev stated that the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt is an absolute priority. The installation of the reactor pressure vessel for the second power unit marks a significant step in Egypt's nuclear industry development and highlights the strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia.
US forces reportedly attacked areas in Iran's Bushehr province, near the nuclear power plant. No information on damage is available. President Trump stated the US military planned strikes and the ceasefire was no longer in effect.
Sizewell B nuclear power plant will operate for an additional 20 years, until 2055, following a deal between owner EDF and the government. The extension secures hundreds of jobs and involves significant investment, though critics raise concerns about environmental and financial impacts.
Britain's Sizewell B nuclear power plant will continue generating electricity until 2055 after the government granted it a 20-year life extension. The plant, which produces 3% of the UK's electricity, will help meet demand for low-carbon power.
Fuel loading is complete for the fourth power unit at Slovakia's Mochovce nuclear power plant. The new unit, built with Russian assistance, has a capacity of approximately 470 MW and cost 6.7 billion euros. Its activation will increase nuclear generation's share in Slovakia to 77.5%.
