The first power unit at the Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary was shut down after the automatic protection system activated, according to reports from TASS referencing the National Nuclear Energy Administration. In the morning hours of March 25, the second power unit operated at reduced capacity following a failure in one of the plant’s structural components. Officials stressed that the shutdown of the first reactor did not compromise safety or the environment, and the underlying cause for the fault is still under investigation with experts actively examining the issue. Unit 2 was temporarily limited to 100 MW instead of its nominal 440 MW due to problems with a circulating pump.
Repair work has begun, and once completed the unit will be restored to full capacity without posing any danger to people or the surrounding environment. On March 27, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations, Peter Szijjártó, addressed rumors about delays in the construction of Paks 2, clarifying that the project had not been halted and that the plan remains on track despite recent postponements. He noted that the actual construction of two additional nuclear units began in August 2023. The foundation pit is being protected by an anti-seepage curtain to mitigate groundwater intrusion, while soil stabilization measures are underway at the sites designated for the fifth and sixth blocks. Current plans anticipate the first concrete pouring at the start of 2025, with potential activity by year’s end depending on progress.
Earlier assessments in the region highlighted the potential consequences of a serious incident at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, underscoring the broader regional emphasis on safety, containment, and robust emergency response protocols. The situation at Paks remains under close observation, with authorities emphasizing that ongoing repairs and planned safety measures are designed to ensure reliable operation while maintaining strict protective standards for the environment and public health. Experts continue to monitor performance metrics, verify component integrity, and assess any long-term implications of the latest events for reactor operations and site infrastructure. The overarching aim is to maintain continuous, safe electricity generation while adhering to national and international safety guidelines and best practices.