by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief reporting from Budapest
BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar urged citizens and businesses to conserve electricity as the country confronted the most critical phase of an unprecedented energy crisis triggered by a severe heatwave and the shutdown of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.
Speaking in an interview and in a video message following a meeting of the government’s defense working group, Magyar said the next five days would be decisive for Hungary’s electricity system.
The prime minister stressed that the government does not currently expect to impose mandatory restrictions on electricity use for households, despite concerns over strained generating capacity.
Instead, he said the government had reversed what he described as the previous Fidesz administration’s emergency strategy by first reducing energy consumption within the state sector, then relying on voluntary reductions by major industrial users before asking households to contribute.
VOLUNTARY REDUCTIONS
Magyar said major companies, including Hungarian oil and gas group MOL and German automaker Audi, had voluntarily agreed to significantly reduce electricity consumption, even at the expense of their own commercial interests.
He added that about 300 companies had already joined the voluntary program, while another 270 were expected to participate.
The prime minister thanked the Hungarian public for lowering electricity consumption on Saturday, saying the reductions were already producing measurable results.
However, he warned that “the hard part is still ahead of us.”
PAKS RECOVERY
Magyar said forecasts suggest Hungary is unlikely to receive the amount of rainfall needed in the coming days to allow the Paks Nuclear Power Plant to resume full operations.
He cautioned that restoring the plant to normal output could take weeks, even after weather conditions improve.
The prime minister therefore renewed his appeal for households to limit electricity consumption during the evening peak period between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., when demand is highest.
He expressed confidence that Hungary could overcome the crisis through a combination of lower consumption, increased electricity imports, and bringing additional generating capacity online.
BLAMES PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT
Magyar also blamed the previous Fidesz government for failing to make infrastructure investments that he said could have reduced Hungary’s vulnerability to the current crisis after 16 years in power.
He argued that state-owned utility MVM had spent billions of forints on promotional activities while underinvesting in critical energy infrastructure.
Despite the mounting pressure on the electricity system, Magyar said the government sees no immediate need to impose compulsory energy restrictions on companies but added that authorities are prepared to act without delay should the situation deteriorate.
Hungary has been grappling with record heat and historically low water levels on the Danube River, forcing repeated shutdowns of reactors at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, which normally supplies about 40 percent of the country’s electricity. The crisis has prompted emergency conservation measures and increased electricity imports as officials seek to prevent widespread power shortages.
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