Most freight trains will no longer run in Hungary between 17:00 and 22:00, and the metro and trams in Budapest will run at a slower pace. The measures are being introduced to reduce electricity consumption, following a dramatic drop in output at the Paks nuclear power station due to the extremely low water level of the Danube.
The Hungarian government has decided to restrict the movement of freight trains during the evening’s peak consumption period, as part of a new package of measures to protect the national energy system.
From Monday, between 17:00 and 22:00, freight trains will no longer be permitted to run on Hungary’s railways, with the exception of services deemed essential to the economy and the operation of critical infrastructure.
Exceptions will include trains carrying goods and equipment required by power stations and other essential facilities.
The government estimates that restricting rail freight traffic will reduce electricity consumption by 70–90 MWh per day.
Freight trains halted during peak hours
The decision was taken by the government’s emergency response group, led by Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, announced the Minister for Transport and Investment, Dávid Vitézy.
“During this period of several hours, freight trains will not be able to run, with the exception of services that are essential for the national economy and basic supplies, such as those serving operational power stations,” the minister explained.
Vitézy pointed out that similar measures had previously been implemented in Hungary during heavy snowfall, when freight train services were restricted to reduce pressure on the network and prevent points from jamming.
This time, however, the reason is not the condition of the railway infrastructure, but the need to reduce electricity consumption at a time when the strain on the power system is at its highest.
The Budapest metro and trams will slow down
And public transport in Budapest will operate under temporary energy-saving rules.
The mayor of the Hungarian capital, Gergely Karácsony, has announced that metro trains and trams will accelerate less rapidly. This does not involve the suspension of any services, but rather a change to driving practices and timetables.
Journeys will take a few minutes longer, but the city council estimates that the measure will reduce electricity consumption by approximately 15 MWh per day.
On certain routes, modern diesel buses, fitted with efficient air-conditioning systems, will replace electric trolleybuses on weekdays.
Charging of electric buses and electric bicycles in the public transport system will be moved outside the peak period of 17:00–22:00.
According to the mayor, the city authorities have sought solutions that will deliver electricity savings whilst minimising the impact on passengers.
Budapest has already ordered the switching off of decorative lighting at over 300 buildings managed by the municipality.
Paks power station affected by low Danube water levels
The transport measures were taken following a severe reduction in output at Paks, Hungary’s only nuclear power station.
The plant has four reactors and, under normal conditions, supplies approximately half of the country’s electricity. Water from the Danube is used to cool the facilities, but the river’s level has fallen to extremely low levels due to the prolonged drought.
The Hungarian authorities are preparing to shut down the plant completely, after available power has been successively reduced over the last few days. A complete shutdown would be the first recorded at Paks in over four decades of operation.
The situation is exacerbated by temperatures approaching 40°C, which have led to increased consumption for air conditioning in homes, offices and commercial premises.
The Hungarian power system operator MAVIR has activated the procedures applicable in the event of major disruptions to generation. Large industrial consumers have been asked to voluntarily reduce their consumption, and the authorities may impose mandatory restrictions or temporary power cuts if the situation worsens.
Eligible central government staff will work from home during the first few days of the week, and public institutions must switch off decorative lighting and non-essential electrical appliances.
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