# Hungary begins sinking barges to protect Paks nuclear power plant

https://mins.news/en/item/25691

- CGTN, 2026-08-16 08:54 UTC
- Science
- Original: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-16/Hungary-begins-sinking-barges-to-protect-Paks-nuclear-power-plant-1PEHyyNlQVW/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&UTM_Medium=rss&UTM_Campaign=World

> Hungarian authorities began controlled sinking of two barges in the Danube near the Paks nuclear power plant as exceptionally low water threatened cooling-water intake and operations. The emergency response also includes building a temporary riverbed sill, while officials monitor water levels, flow speed and the riverbed. Further declines could force turbine shutdowns or take the plant offline.

## Related coverage

- [Hungary sinks barges in Danube to keep nuclear plant operating](https://mins.news/en/video/23082) — Reuters, 2026-08-15
- [Hungary Sinks Barges to Raise Danube Near Nuclear Plant](https://mins.news/en/item/23001) — Bloomberg News, 2026-08-15
- [Hungary to sink two barges near nuclear plant to ensure cooling](https://mins.news/en/item/22200) — Reuters, 2026-08-14