We are going to build a world class nuclear power plant in technical and safety sense, just like the current one – said János Süli on the external session of the Committee on the Budget held in Paks. The minister without portfolio responsible for the design, construction and installation of the two new nuclear power plant units of Paks informed the members of the committee thoroughly about the actualities of the Paks II. project, in the nuclear power plant, on the construction and erection base, then at the session of the committee.

He underlined, the four domestic nuclear power plant units provide 50% of the national production, and about 40% of the consumption, the decades-long experiences of operations are good. He added, our country needs significant import, this year’s share of import is about 30%. The domestic electricity need increases, while the power plants grow older. – We need the new nuclear power plant units of Paks for the security of supply. We think there is no alternative to the nuclear power plant. Hungary can only guarantee that electricity needed for the population and economy, without carbon-dioxide emission, regardless of weather conditions, if we build the two new units – said the minister. He highlighted the construction can only begin once we have the necessary licenses, during this phase and during future operation, safety precedes all other aspects.

István Lenkei, CEO of the Paks II. Nuclear Power Plant Ltd. added: a Hungarian company, PÖYRY-ERŐTERV, who has decades-long experience in the nuclear industry, knows the domestic and EU requirements well, helps the Russian party in the preparation of the plans.

Dr. Attila Aszódi state secretary gave a detailed presentation about the economic part of the project. He said the European Committee’s thorough investigation proved it as well, that this investment will return. Regarding the loan agreement he added: this is a very favorable credit construction, it’s a big sum, more than 30 years of duration, interest rates are fixed, and it’s important that it can be prepaid without additional costs.

The state secretary pointed out, that the upgrade of homes for energy efficiency is not related to electricity consumption, since it only affects the heat energy used. Despite the energy-saving approach, we have to prepare for the increase of electricity demand. In Germany, the per capita consumption is 60% higher than the Hungarian value, while in the neighbouring Austria it’s the double. In response to a question, he also said that the two new units are built to meet domestic needs. Dr. Attila Aszódi also highlighted, there were publis discussions on the project, as the Parliament decided three times to construct the new units.

István Mittler, communications director of Paks II. Nuclear Power Plant Ltd. said regarding the information work, that during every important licensing process, they visited the settlements in the vicinity of Paks, in case of major milestones they gave nationwide information, there is an information corner in the Information and Visitors Centre of Paks NPP, and the interactive truck „brings home” info at various Hungarian settlements.

László Varju, chairman of the committee said, following the session, that it is important to discuss the questions regarding the capacity maintenance.