- Russia and Hungary established a pact for two VVER-1200 reactors, with recent delivery of the Core Catcher marking a milestone in Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant expansion.
- The Core Catcher, a safety component made of thermally resistant steel, ensures containment of the reactor core in severe accidents, enhancing nuclear safety.
- The Paks II project is set to boost Hungary’s energy capacity, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and support EU sustainability goals, reflecting Hungary’s commitment to energy independence and environmental stewardship.
An intergovernmental agreement was established between Russia and Hungary approximately ten years ago. The pact was later endorsed by the European Union, allowing Rosatom, the Russian atomic energy corporation, to supply Hungary with two VVER-1200 reactors. This marked a significant step in bolstering Hungary’s nuclear power capabilities. Despite the challenges of obtaining licenses, navigating EU scrutiny, and managing tensions arising from the Ukraine conflict, Russia has recently delivered Hungary’s first large-scale nuclear power plant component.
The component, known as the “Core Catcher,” is a crucial part of Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant expansion. It is a container made of thermally resistant steel designed to contain the core’s melt in the event of a severe accident and prevent any leakage of radioactive substances from the containment reactor. This technology ensures the plant’s safety and integrity, highlighting advancements in nuclear safety measures and reinforcing confidence in the new reactors’ design.
The arrival of the Core Catcher signifies a pivotal moment in Hungary’s energy landscape, marking a significant development in the expansion of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. Currently, the Paks facility is the only nuclear power plant in Hungary. It has been a cornerstone of the country’s energy supply since the 1980s, accounting for nearly 40% of its electricity. Adding two VVER-1200 reactors is expected to significantly boost Hungary’s energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.
This expansion, a testament to Hungary’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and meeting EU energy standards, underscores the strategic importance of nuclear energy in the nation’s future. By ramping up nuclear power generation, Hungary is poised to slash its carbon emissions and bolster EU objectives for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. The Paks II project, with its potential to significantly reduce Hungary’s reliance on fossil fuels, is not just a technological leap but also a strategic investment in Hungary’s energy independence, a crucial step towards its long-term energy security, and a significant stride towards its environmental stewardship goals.