Hungary has taken another step forward in its plans to expand the Paks nuclear power plant, as production begins on key components for two new reactor units. In Russia, fabrication is underway on the reactor vessel for Unit 6, while in France, the first parts of the turbine for Unit 5 are now being manufactured.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjarto, stated that the reactor vessel for Unit 6 is being produced at a high-tech automated forging facility in St. Petersburg. This critical component, where the nuclear chain reaction will occur, must meet stringent safety and engineering standards set by both Hungarian and European regulators. At the same time, turbine components for Unit 5 are being built in Belfort, France. These developments show that progress is being made on schedule, with essential infrastructure now in production across multiple countries.
The international dimension of the project underscores its importance, with partners from Russia and France playing central roles. The investment is seen as crucial to Hungary’s long-term energy security and its strategy to reduce reliance on natural gas imports.
The two new units at Paks are expected to significantly boost the plant’s output and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The expansion supports Hungary’s goals of maintaining low utility prices and ensuring a stable electricity supply for the future. Currently, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant supplies approximately 50 percent of Hungary’s electricity.
The expansion project traces back to a 2014 agreement between the Hungarian government and Russia’s state-owned nuclear company Rosatom. The deal aims to double the plant’s capacity from 2,000 MW to 4,400 MW by adding two new reactors. Russia has committed to financing 10 billion euros of the estimated construction cost, which covers around 80 percent of the total.
Initially, the first new reactor was expected to be operational by 2023. However, the current schedule forecasts commissioning between 2030 and 2031. Despite delays, the project remains a central pillar of Hungary’s long-term energy policy.
