Hungary expects Paks II by 2032 and wants to further extend the life of its first nuclear power plant

Hungarian Energy Minister Csaba Lantos said he expects the Paks II nuclear power plant to be completed in 2032, two years later than previously anticipated. In an interview with Hungarian broadcaster Kossuth, Minister Lantos, who took office last month, also said he would like to extend the operation of all four existing units at the Paks nuclear power plant “by another 20 years”.

The planned lifetime of Hungary’s only operating nuclear power plant has already been extended once, from 30 to 50 years. In December, the Hungarian parliament voted in favour of a further extension.

Construction of Paks II continues despite anti-Russian sanctions

The country is continuing construction of the new Paks II nuclear power plant, which will have two Russian VVER-1200 reactors. Hungary is pressing ahead with its plan despite Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has led to sanctions and the cancellation of many business ties between European Union member states and Russia.