The Hungarian Energy and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority issued the construction permit for the Paks II nuclear power plant. Yet, the final construction license will be granted by the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA) which has one year plus three months to make a decision, after which the construction can finally begin. The commissioning of the new units is expected in 2029-30 the earliest.
The permit application was submitted by Paks II Nuclear Power Plant, a fully owned subsidiary of the Hungarian power company MVM, in October to build a 2×1,262 megawatts (MW) nuclear power plant.
According to the Hungarian regulator’s press release, they took into account the aspects of supply security of the electricity system during the power plant licensing.
“The planned facility will be the largest generating unit in the domestic electricity system,” reads the press release of the Hungarian Energy and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. “The nuclear power plant will play a key role in the country’s carbon-free energy production as well.”
Procedures related to the safety of nuclear technology are conducted by the HAEA. In July the expansion of the NPP reached a milestone when a full package of documents for obtaining a license for the construction of the new units has been submitted to the HAEA.
According to János Süli, Minister without portfolio in charge of the design, construction and commissioning of the two new units of the Paks NPP the prepared documentation was proof that the new units planned in Paks are in conformity with Hungarian and European rules and safety requirements in all respects.
Hungary is largely relying on nuclear power – complemented by solar energy – in its future energy mix. Pál Kovács, State Secretary for the maintenance of capacity of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant highlighted that the once the new units are completed they will save millions of tonnes of carbon emissions.
