The Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (OAH) has issued new construction permits enabling the start of foundation concrete pouring for unit 5 at the Paks nuclear power plant, which is being designed and built by Russia’s Rosatom. The approvals also cover the construction of nuclear island facilities, marking a significant step forward for the project.
The first concrete works are scheduled to begin in February 2026. These newly granted permits complement the main construction license issued in 2022 and confirm that the project complies with all international, European and national nuclear safety requirements. The safety concept includes both active and passive protection systems, meeting the highest global standards.
With the new regulatory clearance, Atomstroyexport, the project’s general contractor, can advance full-scale site preparation ahead of the concrete pour, traditionally regarded as the official start of a nuclear plant’s main construction phase.
Paks 2 is set to become the first modern Russian-designed nuclear power plant with Generation III+ VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors (each with a capacity of 1,200 MW) to be built within the European Union. The project is based on the intergovernmental agreement signed between Hungary and Russia in 2014, supported by three key implementation contracts.
The Hungarian nuclear authority granted the main construction license in August 2022, after which preparatory works began on site. The excavation of the foundation pit for unit 5 has already been completed, and manufacturing of major reactor components has started in Russia.
Once operational, Paks 2 is expected to significantly enhance Hungary’s long-term energy security by providing stable, low-carbon electricity generation and strengthening the country’s energy independence within the wider European energy system.
