Hungary, Romania and Serbia have all warned that falling river levels are affecting nuclear and hydroelectric generation. Officials say continued hot and dry weather could further reduce electricity production in the coming days.

The Danube, one of Europe’s most important waterways, fell to about 10 centimeters (4 inches) in Budapest on Monday—well below the previous record low of 33 centimeters (13 inches) set in 2018.

Forecasters expect temperatures to exceed 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) this week, increasing electricity demand for cooling while limiting power generation.

Hungary’s Nuclear Plant Faces Possible Shutdown

Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant has sharply reduced electricity production because low Danube water levels have restricted the amount of cooling water available for its reactors.

The facility generated about 240 megawatts on Monday, compared with its normal output of roughly 2,000 megawatts.

Prime Minister Péter Magyar said engineers had managed to keep the plant’s final operating turbine running, temporarily avoiding a complete shutdown that had been expected over the weekend.

He cautioned, however, that the plant could still suspend operations later this week if river levels continue to fall.

Located about 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of Budapest, the Paks facility produces nearly half of Hungary’s electricity and accounts for about one-third of the country’s total power consumption.

To offset lower production, Hungary has increased electricity imports from neighboring countries and expanded its use of renewable energy sources.

Governments Introduce Power Conservation Measures

Hungary has asked major industrial users to reduce electricity consumption and urged households to conserve energy during peak demand between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Beginning Monday, authorities also prohibited electric freight trains from operating during peak hours. Officials estimate the measure will save between 70 and 90 megawatt-hours of electricity each day.

After initially relying on voluntary reductions, the government approved emergency powers allowing mandatory electricity limits for large industrial and commercial consumers if conditions worsen.

According to Magyar, conservation efforts reduced electricity demand by about 700 megawatts on Sunday.

Romania and Serbia Also Face Growing Pressure

The drought has also disrupted electricity production elsewhere along the Danube.

In Romania, military engineers used explosives near the Bala Canal on Monday to redirect more water toward the Danube’s main channel and help maintain cooling operations at the state-owned Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.

Officials said river flow had dropped to about 1,500 cubic meters per second—less than one-third of the average July level.

One reactor at the plant has already been shut down, leaving the facility operating at about half of its normal capacity.

Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan declared a nationwide energy alert on Friday and warned that the remaining reactor could also be forced offline if water levels continue to decline.

Several major manufacturers have also reduced operations. Automakers Dacia and Ford suspended vehicle production and began scheduled maintenance until Aug. 19, while other industrial companies agreed to lower electricity use during evening peak hours.

Hydropower Output Falls in Serbia

Serbia is facing similar challenges as historically low Danube levels reduce hydropower generation.

Officials said the country’s main hydroelectric plant is operating at only about 20% of its normal capacity.

Prime Minister Djuro Macut convened an emergency meeting on Monday and appealed to residents to reduce electricity consumption, particularly by limiting the use of air conditioners and other high-energy household appliances.

Macut described the situation as “serious and demanding,” warning that continued drought could place additional pressure on Serbia’s electricity system.

The ongoing drought highlights the growing vulnerability of Europe’s energy infrastructure to prolonged periods of extreme heat, with governments across the region balancing rising electricity demand against declining water supplies needed to sustain power generation.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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After over a century of grandeur, decline, and closure, one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks is being brought back to life. Hotel Gellért, once a beacon of high society on the banks of the Danube, is undergoing a full restoration — and it’s set to reopen in 2027 as part of the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

From Faded Gem to Modern Marvel

Originally opened in 1918, Hotel Gellért was a showpiece of Hungarian Art Nouveau design. With its ornate architecture, pioneering features, and glamorous guests, it quickly became one of Europe’s premier luxury destinations. Over the decades, it welcomed royalty, world leaders, and Hollywood stars — from Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to Richard Nixon and Jane Fonda.

But time wasn’t kind. After surviving wars, revolutions, and communism, the hotel’s charm eventually gave way to age. By the time it closed in 2019, the once-grand interiors had grown tired, and the building stood as a dusty shadow of its former self. Only the adjacent thermal baths, still a popular attraction, remained in operation.

A Vision for the Future — Rooted in the Past

Now, thanks to a major investment by Hungary’s BDPST Group, the Hotel Gellért is being reimagined for a new era. The full-scale renovation, which began in late 2024, is being carried out under strict heritage preservation guidelines. Every detail — from the coffered ceilings to the historic Gobelin Room — is being restored using original blueprints and archival photos.

The new Gellért will feature 134 rooms, including 34 suites, combining classic elegance with modern comforts. British design studio Alexander Waterworth Interiors is handling the decor, while Hungarian firm Archikon Architects is leading the architectural work.

Hidden details are already reemerging. During recent renovations, original decorative motifs and design elements long buried under Communist-era renovations have been uncovered — proof of the building’s storied craftsmanship.

A Legacy of Innovation

What made the Gellért extraordinary in its day wasn’t just the decor — it was innovation. At a time when few hotels had telephones, every room here did. Some suites had piped-in thermal water or even carbonated taps. It offered Hungary’s first airport shuttle, and guests could pay in foreign currencies. Even a wave pool graced its famous spa.

“From the beginning, the Gellért was ahead of its time,” says Zoltán Kecskeméthy, managing director of BDPST Real Estate Development. “We want to honor that spirit of progress while respecting the soul of the place.”

A Local Treasure, Reimagined for the World

The team behind the transformation doesn’t just want to create another luxury hotel — they want to restore a national treasure.

“This isn’t just a building,” says Kecskeméthy. “It’s a symbol of Hungarian identity. Our goal is to make international guests feel part of a larger story — and to help locals reconnect with a place that once belonged to them.”

That mission includes reviving the Gellért’s role as a hub of local life. New restaurants will be designed to appeal not just to tourists, but to Budapest residents as well — much like in the hotel’s heyday. A rooftop sky bar will add a fresh, contemporary twist to the hotel’s offerings.

A Cultural Landmark Reawakens

Hungarian National Museum Director-General Gábor Zsigmond emphasizes the hotel’s unique role in the city’s history.

“The Gellért has always been more than just a place to stay,” he explains. “It’s been a setting for major social events, a retreat for the famous, and a striking example of Hungarian architecture. Its future lies in blending that rich heritage with modern luxury.”

While the famed Gellért Baths will continue to operate under city management, a new in-house spa — run by Mandarin Oriental — will offer curated wellness experiences. Every decision, from the spa design to its treatment offerings, is being crafted with timeless appeal in mind.

A Grand Return in 2027

As the Mandarin Oriental Gellért prepares to reopen its doors, the restoration team is confident that the hotel’s next chapter will honor its past while looking boldly toward the future.

“It’s about more than bricks and mortar,” says Kecskeméthy. “We’re restoring pride, reviving memories, and creating something new that the world — and Budapest — can be proud of.”

Source: CNN – It had become a shabby relic. Now one of Europe’s grandest hotels is being restored to its former glory

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