The underwater weir designed to ensure the cooling water supply for the Paks nuclear power station may offer a quick solution to the problem of low water levels but it is currently impossible to assess how this will resolve the decades-long deepening of the Danube’s riverbed, a WWF expert told MTI on Thursday.
Tamás Gruber (WWF) said that given the current, extremely low water levels, intervention aimed at raising the water level was to be expected. However, it is difficult to find an adequate solution in a short time for a complex problem that has persisted for decades, and there is not enough time for comprehensive planning, he added.
The underwater weir may be able to retain water and raise the water level on the upstream side, but on the downstream side it could further exacerbate the low-water situation, he said. It is important to continuously monitor the riverbed sections both upstream and downstream of the underwater weir, from both technical and ecological perspectives, he said.
If you missed it: the danger is not over, Budapest water supply is under pressure again
He said that any intervention affecting the Danube must simultaneously take into account energy generation, navigation, water management and ecological considerations.
He said there had already been examples of similar technical solutions on smaller rivers in Hungary, primarily on the Raba and in certain parts of the Szigetköz, but their size and technical design are not comparable to the current plans.
He warned that
the construction of the underwater weir did not mean that the current water shortage will be resolved, and added that the prudent use of energy and water will remain necessary in the coming months.
You can read here more about the current situation: major intervention planned to protect Paks nuclear plant – pictures
