The construction of the three-meter-thick reinforced concrete foundation slab for Unit 5 has begun – this marks the first concrete pouring, a milestone in the construction of nuclear facilities. First the foundation slab of the unit’s control building has been constructed, as this is the deepest point in the building complex. The levelling concrete and reinforcement works required for the first concrete pouring began at the end of 2025, after the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority had issued all the necessary licences. 

If I had to name a project that had to overcome hundreds of obstacles, it would be Paks II. But this project is also the best example of determination and will – said Rafael Grossi at the event. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency added: – Today is a significant step not only for Hungary, but also for the international nuclear industry and sustainable energy production.

– The electricity produced in the nuclear power plant is currently the cheapest source in Hungary, with this we can ensure the competitiveness of the industry and the cheap energy supply for the citizens, emphasized János Süli. According to the Member of Parliament for the region, it is a matter of national strategy to build the nuclear power plant, because it provides the basis of the country's sovereignty.

Alexei Likhachov, CEO of Rosatom, underlined in his speech that the new nuclear power plant gives the Hungarian government the opportunity to plan energy supply for a hundred years in advance, keep electricity prices low and maintain the security of energy supply. The head of the Russian nuclear corporation said that this project also indicates that their company plays a leading role in the nuclear energy industry.

– Hungary decided on the new project in Paks at a time when the international acceptance of nuclear energy was not clear. By now, other countries have also realized that there is no competitiveness without nuclear energy – said Péter Szijjártó. – Paks II. is the flagship of the reviving European nuclear industry – stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The construction of Unit 5 was preceded by significant site preparation works lasting several years: a 2.7 km long cut-off wall was built, then the soil improvement was carried out under the excavation pit and finally the excavation pit, which is unique in terms of technology and size was created.
In parallel with the preparation of the foundation slab, in 2026, among other things, the construction of the Unit 6 excavation pit, the building of the Training Center  will begin as well as the implementation of the construction and erection base and the soil improvement work will continue at the areas outside of the nuclear islands.

Paks has four VVER-440 units, commissioned in the 1980s, and two new VVER-1200 units are being built by Atomstroyexport, a subsidiary of the Russian Rosatom. With the first concrete pouring, Unit 5 is now considered under construction according to the standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency. According to the IAEA database, 63 reactors are being built worldwide, including the one in Paks.