According to the review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Hungarian sole nuclear power plant Paks has improved its operational safety.
A subsidiary of state-owned Hungarian Electricity Works (MVM) that operates the plant, said in the press release that IAEA’s Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) has recently concluded its task to assess the operation of NPP Paks, conducted in response to similar mission by OSART in 2014. The report said that the plant worked effectively to address recommendations and suggestions identified by OSART in 2014 and as a result of that good progress in the plant’s operational safety is now visible.
The report further states that recommendations to improve the control and storage of maintenance equipment and material, to enhance identification and reporting of deficiencies of systems and components and to better manage chemicals and other substances have been fully implemented. However, recommendations the reinforce safety conscious behavior of staff, to improve the operating experience program and to improve contractor management still require further work.
In 2015, NPP Paks produced 15,834 GWh of electricity in 2015, which is 1.2 % more than in previous year. It generated 52.7 % of the total electricity production in Hungary last year and covered about 36.2 % of domestic electricity demand. However, the company’s revenues in 2015 dropped by 0.5 % to 552.4 million euros. NPP Paks has four 500 MW units, put into operation between 1982 and 1987, with an operational lifespan of 30 years.
