Russia may build more nuclear reactors in Hungary

Russia does not rule out the construction of new power-generating units for Hungarian nuclear power plants in the future if Budapest approves of the idea, BelTA learned from Sergei Kiriyenko, head of the Russian state nuclear engineering corporation Rosatom.

“We have not been contacted yet but we don’t rule out the possibility that considering the rather rapid development of the Hungarian economy and the successful implementation of this project, Hungary may decide in favor of getting more power-generating units built,” said Sergei Kiriyenko. The Rosatom head specified that Russia intends to observe all the international norms and rules during the construction of two new power-generating units of the Hungarian nuclear power plant Paks.

“Design comes first. The design document is used to assess the environmental impact. After that public hearings take place as well as expert evaluation and the acquisition of the license,” said Sergei Kiriyenko. He went on saying that if Hungary feels the need for more power-generating capacity, “we are ready to consider the options”.

The nuclear power plant Paks is Hungary’s only nuclear power plant with four VVER-440 reactors. The first power-generating unit went online in 1982. At present nuclear power plants account for about 50% of Hungary’s energy budget. In late 2014 the Russian Federation and Hungary signed the paperwork to build the fifth and sixth units of the nuclear power plant Paks that will feature Russian-technology reactors VVER-1200. The first document is the contract on engineering, equipment delivery, and the construction for the two new power-generating units. The contract specifies goals for the next 12 years. The second document regulates terms of servicing the future units of the nuclear power plant. The third document specifies conditions for providing the nuclear power plant with nuclear fuel. Russia will lend up to €1 billion to Hungary for the project.