Europe heat wave fuels drought, fires and energy fears
A severe heat wave in Europe is causing historic low water levels in the Danube River, threatening nuclear power operations and energy security. The drought has also fueled destructive wildfires and exposed historical artifacts, highlighting the escalating impacts of climate change.
Why it matters
The disruption of critical energy infrastructure due to climate-driven environmental changes poses a significant threat to European economic and operational stability.
LONDON — As Europe endures a relentless heat wave, the Danube's historic lows are disrupting nuclear power operations and revealing the far-reaching impacts of the continent's climate crisis.
Hungary came close to a forced shutdown of its only nuclear power plant overnight, Prime Minister Péter Magyar said on Tuesday morning, as low water levels in the Danube river threaten the country's energy supply.
"Around 1:30 a.m. we were a few millimeters away from completely shutting down the Paks Power Plant, but then the water level stopped falling and by morning it had risen 1.5 centimeters. The last turbine is currently operating safely," Magyar said .
On Monday, Romanian authorities conducted a controlled explosion in the river to redirect cooling water to its sole operational nuclear plant, in images captured by AFP . Low water levels had already forced Romania to close two nuclear reactors.
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