Hungary is diverting water into the Danube and deliberately sinking barges to raise critically low river levels and protect the Paks Nuclear Power Plant from potential shutdowns. An extra 20 m³/s released at Dömsöd has raised the river by about 2 cm, while two barges are being sunk near Paks to form a temporary sill. A permanent rock sill (35,000 m³ initially, expanding to 110,000 m³) is under rapid construction. Officials say Tuesday and Wednesday will be critical, though rainfall in Austria’s catchment could help from Thursday.
Hungary Diverts Water and Sinks Barges to Protect Paks Nuclear Plant as Danube Falls
Hungary opens sluice and sinks barges to protect nuclear plant as Danube levels fall
Hungary has stepped up emergency measures to raise critically low levels of the Danube and protect the Paks Nuclear Power Plant from another shutdown.
Since noon on Monday, authorities have released an additional 20 cubic metres per second into the main Danube via the Ráckeve–Soroksár branch at Dömsöd, about 50 km south of Budapest. Officials say the extra flow has lifted the river by roughly 2 centimetres.
Downstream at Paks, roughly 100 km south of the capital, crews are preparing two barges for controlled sinking. Water is being pumped into their hulls so they settle on the riverbed and form a temporary sill to raise water levels immediately adjacent to the plant and help keep cooling systems operational.
The Tassi sluice at Dömsöd has been opened - 17 August 2026 - Euronews/KR
Permanent Works Underway
In parallel, a permanent rock sill is being built across the river between the Paks facility and the village of Dunaszentbenedek on the opposite bank. The Hungarian government approved the emergency project last week after a site inspection and a unanimous recommendation from water management, energy and defence experts.
The project will initially use 35,000 cubic metres of rock and later expand to about 110,000 cubic metres. Officials say construction is proceeding at "breakneck speed" to reduce the risk of further turbine shutdowns as river levels fall.
Short-Term Outlook
Forecasters expect the Danube to drop by another 14–15 centimetres on Tuesday and Wednesday, making those days critical for operations. Conditions may improve from Thursday if expected rainfall in the Danube's Austrian catchment area pushes river levels higher.
Why it matters: Low river levels can compromise cooling intake for thermal and nuclear plants, creating both operational and safety risks. The temporary and permanent sills aim to preserve sufficient depth for Paks’ turbines and cooling systems.
Officials continue to monitor river levels and the plant's turbines closely and say additional measures will be taken if required.
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