According to the Global Energy Review published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Monday, global energy consumption grew much faster in 2024 than in the previous ten years: it increased by an average of 1.3% between 2013-2023, but by 2.2% last year. As Portfolio.hu reported, according to the IEA, electricity consumption shows a similar trend: it jumped by 4.3%, almost double the average rate of the previous ten years.

 The detailed study by the IEA highlights that 80% of the surge in electricity consumption was covered by the increase in renewable and nuclear-based energy production, and the two together accounted for 40% of total energy production, which is unprecedented.

Gergely Jákli also reported that the company has achieved several significant results in the past six months: the authority has issued the permit for the concrete plant to be put into operation, the construction permit for the facilities of the Construction and Erection Base is fully available – this means 124 permits – after the completion of the forging of the reactor vessel of Unit 5 the welding processes have begun and the forging of the reactor vessel of Unit 6 has also started. In addition the production of steam turbines has begun and the permit for the production of the reactor vessel internals, i.e. the internal equipment, has been obtained – thus, the equipment of Paks II. is currently being manufactured in six cities in three countries.

The supply of specialists is also a key topic in the international arena – stated the company’s head in connection with the correspondence electrical engineering training program in Paks starting in the autumn, he added that they are looking for sister school connections and the opportunity to join international programs. – If we can be half a step ahead of the world, then we can show that Paks is a good example in organizing labour supply – he said.

The Global Energy Review of energy trends for 2024 shows that more than 80% of the growth in energy consumption was accounted for by developing countries and emerging economies, but energy consumption in advanced economies also increased after several years of decline.

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Most of the increased electricity demand was covered by the expanding supply of low-emission energy sources: renewable energy capacity increased by 700 gigawatts worldwide, and nuclear power capacity expansion reached the fifth highest level in the past three decades.

Half of the electricity produced in our country and a third of the electricity used are currently provided by the operating nuclear power plant. The two new Paks units are intended to maintain nuclear energy production in the long term, and their construction will guarantee Hungary’s security of supply even with growing energy demands. The Paks II. project will also significantly contribute to maintaining Hungary’s climate-friendly electricity supply.