Published: November 15 2023
Hungary's Paks II Nuclear Power Plant expansion project is progressing according to plan. The project aims to construct new reactors in Paks, with the goal of starting production by the early 2030s. The project is significant, as it is the largest nuclear project in Europe with a construction license.
Construction Progress
The construction work for the new reactors in Paks has commenced, with the excavation under the planned blocks already completed to a depth of five meters. The next target is to reach a depth of 23 meters. In addition, gap-filling work is progressing well, and work has started on soil consolidation. Over the next six months, sixty buildings will be erected as part of the project.
Ensuring Energy Supply and Reducing Emissions
The investment in the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant expansion will allow Hungary to maintain its economic performance while reducing emissions. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó emphasized the importance of securing the country's energy supply and increasing independence from international energy markets. The expansion project aligns with Hungary's pro-nuclear stance and commitment to protecting the environment.
Benefits of Nuclear Energy
Alexey Likhachev, head of the Russian nuclear energy company Rosatom, highlighted the importance of nuclear energy as the most stable, predictable, and clean source of energy from an environmental perspective. He acknowledged the challenges faced by Rosatom due to international pressures but expressed their readiness to maximize the implementation of the project.
Project Status and Future Plans
According to Rosatom, production of the necessary equipment for the Paks II project has already begun in Russia. The number of workers on-site is expected to steadily increase, reaching 800-900 by the end of 2023 and around 2,000 by the end of 2024. During the peak period, the workforce is projected to increase to 10-13,000.
The Paks II Nuclear Power Plant expansion project remains on track, with significant progress made in construction and preparations. The project will not only contribute to maintaining Hungary's energy supply but also support economic growth while reducing emissions. Given the commitment to nuclear energy, the project is a crucial step towards increasing energy independence and protecting the environment.
Questions & Answers
What is the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant Project? The Paks II Nuclear Power Plant Project is an expansion project of the existing Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary. It involves the construction of new reactors to increase Hungary's energy production capacity.
When is the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant Project expected to be completed? The new units of the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant Project are expected to start production by the early 2030s.
Who is involved in the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant Project? The project involves collaboration between Hungary and the Russian nuclear energy company Rosatom.
What is the significance of the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant Project? The expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant is the largest nuclear project on the continent with a construction license. It is aimed at increasing Hungary's energy independence and reducing its vulnerability to international energy markets. Furthermore, it allows Hungary to remain among the 20 countries in the world that are increasing their economic performance while reducing their emissions.
Why is nuclear energy important for Hungary? According to Minister Péter Szijjártó, there is no alternative to nuclear energy as it is the most stable, predictable, and cleanest source of energy from an environmental point of view. Hungary sees nuclear energy as a way to secure its energy supply and protect the environment.
How is the construction progress of the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant Project? Excavation work under both planned blocks has been completed to a depth of five meters, and the next target is to reach a depth of 23 meters. Gap-filling work and soil consolidation are also progressing well. In addition, sixty buildings are planned to be erected in the next six months.
How many workers are involved in the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant Project? The number of workers on site is expected to reach 800-900 by the end of 2023 and around 2,000 by the end of 2024. During the peak period, the number of workers on the site will increase to 10,000-13,000.
