HUNGARY: The shutdown of Hungary’s only nuclear power plant due to drought has forced a cancellation of freight trains in the evening, while national operator MÁV is also to impose energy-saving measures.
Historically low water levels in the River Danube have caused a nationwide electricity crisis, as the nuclear plant supplies nearly half the country’s power needs. The evening freight train suspension entered into force on August 3. No freight trains will operate on the Hungarian network between 17.00 and 22.00, with some exceptions for what are deemed ‘essential services’, our sister publication
RailFreight.com reports. Transport minister Dávid Vitézy noted this measure should save 70 to 90 MW daily. A similar restriction was applied in January to protect points and turnouts during heavy snowfall.
Energy saving
MÁV implemented electricity use restrictions on July 31. Between 17.00 and 23.00 each day, electric locomotives must limit their current consumption during starting and accelerating to not exceed ‘75% of the nominal value’. The national railway said these temporary reductions are aimed at managing the load on the national electricity grid.
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The national power deficit originates from the complete shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which with a capacity of approximately 2 000 MW, typically supplies nearly 40% of Hungary’s electricity. The facility relies on the Danube, the longest river in the EU, to cool essential components, but with river water levels now at a record low, the power station has been deactivated. There is no clear timeline for generation to restart.
