Hungary’s electricity demand cannot be met without nuclear energy, which is why work is currently underway to expand the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. This project will enable the prevention of approximately 17 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó stated during the hearing of the National Assembly’s Committee on Sustainable Development, according to a statement by the Ministry. He emphasized that the global economy is undergoing a fundamental transformation, accompanied by a major technological revolution that will lead to a dramatic increase in global electricity demand. He highlighted the electrification of road transport, the construction of large data centers, and the rising demand for heating and cooling all point in this direction — a trend clearly visible in Hungary as well. In this context, he underlined that, due to Hungary’s geographical and natural conditions, the country can meet this growing demand reliably, safely, environmentally-friendly, and affordably only through nuclear energy.

He therefore welcomed the decision of the new U.S. administration, led by Donald Trump, to lift sanctions affecting the Paks expansion project. As there are no European restrictions in effect either, the current international legal framework allows the project to continue.

He informed that a total of 3.5 million cubic meters of earth needs to be excavated in the area designated for the two planned reactor units, of which 2 million cubic meters have already been removed. Work on the nuclear island of Unit 6 will begin at the end of this year. “In terms of soil improvement, we are talking about a 17-hectare area where 75,000 soil-stabilizing piles must be installed. So far, 43,000 have been placed. This work has already been completed under the future buildings of the nuclear islands of Units 5 and 6, and soil improvement will continue in other areas at the end of the year,” he said. He added that, in parallel with the construction, manufacturing of long-lead equipment is also underway in six cities across Russia, Germany, and France.

Péter Szijjártó also addressed a recent agreement regarding the exclusive use of American technologies in the field of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). “This is a technological process that is still far from completion. However, we must prepare for the possibility that, if this technology becomes viable, it should also be integrated into Hungary’s energy mix,” he said.