Published: December 05 2023
The Paks nuclear plant in Hungary will have its operating license extended until 2052-57, according to an announcement by MVM Paksi Atomerőmű. This extension is part of a decade-long process and aims to ensure a secure energy supply for Hungary amidst a projected increase in electricity demand.
Extending the lifespan of the Paks nuclear plant
The Paks nuclear plant, which initially went online between 1982 and 1987, will have its operating license extended for another 15-20 years. The plant's lifespan was already extended once before, until 2032-37. This extension will require the completion of approximately 250 reconstruction projects, including revamping the electric and control systems.
Importance of nuclear energy and sustainable resources
According to Péter János Horváth, the head of MVM Paksi Atomerőmű, both nuclear energy and sustainable resources are crucial for ensuring a secure energy supply. As Hungary's electricity demand is expected to grow by 150 percent by 2030, the Paks nuclear plant plays a significant role in meeting this demand.
Diversifying supply lines
While the Paks nuclear plant has had a reliable partnership with its Russian supplier for four decades, the plant is exploring ways to diversify its supply lines. This effort aims to enhance the plant's resilience and decrease reliance on a single supplier.
Future plans for the extension
The implementation plans for the extension of the Paks nuclear plant are expected to be submitted in 2028. This process involves various reconstruction projects, with approximately half of them projected to cost over one billion forints (EUR 2.6m). The revamping of the electric and control systems alone is estimated to be in the range of 1.5 billion euros.
Questions & Answers
Until when will the Paks nuclear plant in Hungary operate? The Paks nuclear plant in Hungary will operate until 2052-57, as announced by MVM Paksi Atomerőmű, the company running the plant.
When did the two already operating blocks of the Paks nuclear plant go online? The two already operating blocks of the Paks nuclear plant went online between 1982 and 1987.
Has the lifespan of the Paks nuclear plant been extended before? Yes, the lifespan of the Paks nuclear plant has been extended once already, until 2032-37.
What is the expected increase in Hungary's electricity demand by 2030? Hungary's electricity demand is expected to grow by 150 percent by 2030.
Is the Paks nuclear plant currently supplied by a Russian supplier? Yes, the Paks nuclear plant is currently supplied by a Russian supplier.
Is the Paks nuclear plant looking into diversifying its supply lines? Yes, the Paks nuclear plant is looking into ways to diversify its supply lines.
What are some of the reconstruction projects required for the extension of the Paks nuclear plant? The extension of the Paks nuclear plant will require the completion of approximately 250 reconstruction projects, half of which are expected to cost more than one billion forints (EUR 2.6m).
When are the implementation plans for the extension of the Paks nuclear plant expected to be submitted? The implementation plans for the extension of the Paks nuclear plant are expected to be submitted in 2028.
