The Hungarian authorities intend to switch the NPP in the city of Paks to French nuclear fuel instead of Russian, Telex reported citing Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The plan was listed among 15 government steps that Orban intends to implement by 2034. The prime minister stated his intention to achieve “energy self-sufficiency, which will include operating the Paks plant on French fuel instead of Russian.” Currently East European countries with Soviet NPPs are under heavy pressure for the European Union to diversify away from using Russian nuclear fuel.
The Paks NPP comprises four Soviet-built VVER-440 reactors. The station generates approximately half of the country's electricity production, providing about a third of consumption, and currently receives nuclear fuel supplied by Rosatom fuel company TVEL.
Rosatom is now building two new units (5&6) at Paks with VVER-1200 reactors supported by Russian finance. Preparatory groundwork is underway.
Image: Paks nuclear power plant (courtesy of Rosatom)
