Hungary’s Tiszalök Hydroelectric Power Plant has halted electricity generation because of exceptionally low water levels on the Tisza River, amid a severe drought affecting the region.
The shutdown was reported by Péter Lajos Szakács, a Tisza party MP for the area, who stressed that the facility’s primary role is water-flow regulation, with electricity generation serving as a secondary function.
Despite the shutdown, the electricity supply of Tiszalök and the surrounding area remains secure, while the Paks Nuclear Power Plant is operating at full capacity, he said.
Water levels too low for hydropower
Under normal conditions, the Tiszalök power plant has a generation capacity of 12.9 megawatts, equivalent to around 0.65 per cent of the full capacity of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.
However, the Tisza’s low water level had already prevented the plant from reaching its normal output in recent weeks. According to the North Hungarian Water Management Directorate (ÉMVIZIG), neither the current water level nor the flow rate is sufficient for the hydroelectric plant to operate.
Water regulation at the Tiszalök barrage is continuing through a single gate that remains in operation.
Living, working or doing business in Hungary?
Make things easier with professional support in English. Explore Daily News Hungary’s Services in English and find the help you need.
Tisza catchment receives just a quarter of usual water
The severity of the shortage is reflected in the amount of water reaching the Tisza from its catchment area. The catchment has received only around a quarter of its usual water volume this year.
Further downstream, the Tisza Lake – an artificial reservoir created following the construction of the Kisköre Water Barrage – has consequently lost virtually all of its usable water reserves. Its water level has fallen to 610 centimetres.
Stay up-to-date: Russia threatens to cut oil and gas supplies to Hungary after Budapest labels Moscow a security threat
Authorities redirect water to drought-hit areas
Because of the extraordinary drought, ÉMVIZIG began lowering the upstream water level at the Tiszalök Water Barrage on 27 August. The level had previously been raised as high as possible to retain water.
Over the coming week, the level held at Tiszalök is expected to fall by 20 centimetres from its current 420-centimetre level. The released water will provide additional supplies for the Tisza Lake, the Eastern Main Canal and the Körös Valley, where water shortages are also severe.
One aim is to help maintain a water level above 610 centimetres at Kisköre-Felső for as long as possible, supporting the Tisza Lake’s water reserves. Another is to direct previously stored water towards the Eastern Main Canal.
Read also: PM Magyar announces Paks nuclear power plant back to three turbines
