Europe Braces for Sweltering Heatwave as Hungary Shuts Down Nuclear Plant. A scorching heatwave that ravaged western Europe last week is now spreading eastward, threatening to engulf central and southern Europe in temperatures near 40C. As a result, Hungary is facing a severe energy crisis after being forced to shut down its sole nuclear power plant, a move unprecedented in 44 years. With the Danube River's water levels plummeting, the cooling system at the plant has become unreliable, prompting authorities to take drastic measures to prevent a catastrophic accident. As the country struggles to cope with the extreme heat, the shutdown of the nuclear plant raises concerns about a potential energy crunch and the impact on Hungary's already strained power grid.
Temperatures forecast to reach 37C in Budapest and Vienna as Hungary switches off vital nuclear plant with falling water levels in Danube affecting cooling capabilitiesThe latest heatwave seen in western Europe last week are now moving eastwards, with large parts of central and southern Europe set to experience extreme temperatures near 40C, and putting countries at risk of an energy crunch.Hungary was forced to shut down most of its sole nuclear power plant, which generates a large part of the country’s energy supply, for the first time in 44 years as the drying out of the Danube made it impossible to cool safely. The nuclear plant is expected to be completely powered down later this week as water levels on the Danube river are projected to fall further. Continue reading...
