The project for the construction of new power units at the Paks-2 NPP in Hungary, implemented with the participation of Rosatom, retains the same commissioning dates, despite a possible increase in cost.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stressed that changes in prices for technology, materials and raw materials over the decade since the signing of the agreement necessitate a possible revision of costs. The new power units are expected to be connected to the power grid by 2032, ensuring the country's energy security.
Currently, the Paks NPP, built in the 1980s by Soviet specialists, generates half of the electricity produced and a third of the electricity consumed in Hungary. The expansion of the station involves the construction of the fifth and sixth power units with VVER-1200 reactors, which will increase the total capacity of the complex from 2,000 MW to 4,400 MW and increase the share of nuclear energy in the country's energy balance to 70%.
The project, worth €12.5 billion, is 80% financed by a Russian loan. The implementation of Paks-2 will allow Hungary to reduce imports of natural gas by 3.5 million tons annually and reduce CO₂ emissions by 17 million tons. This will strengthen the sustainability of national energy and ensure the transition to more environmentally friendly energy sources in the long term.
The Hungarian authorities ensured that the 14th package of European Union sanctions against Russia did not affect the construction of the Paks-2 NPP.
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