New York Times: Hungary-USA nuclear deal underway? What will Putin say?
There is a giant US nuclear company called Westinghouse. The New York Times wrote that even Hungary enquired about a possible nuclear fuel deal to provide enough fuel for its power plant in Paks. The article focuses on European energy dependence.
New nuclear deal on the horizon?
PM Viktor Orbán closed the deal about building new reactors for the Paks nuclear power plant before the 2014 general elections. He knew he would win because the opposition parties were fractioned then. In the contract, the two parties made clear that the new blocks would be built by Russian companies and using Russian technology. Furthermore, their fuel will also come from the Eastern giant. As a result, Orbán’s cabinet signed the long-term energy dependence of the country then.
However, the investment progresses very slowly, 444.hu wrote. Last autumn, they started to cement the foundation of the buildings, but that was not much. The new reactors will not work for years. That is a big question whether Russia can provide fuel for them considering the rising number of EU sanctions.
Interestingly, Tarik Choho, the nuclear fuel department head of the American company, cited Hungary as an example of how European countries try to get rid of their Russian suppliers. “Even Hungary wants to diversify”, he said. The Orbán cabinet would like to buy fuel from the Americans even though they are “the closest allies of Russia”, he added.
Of course, finding reactor fuel is not easy. Most reactors favour the nuclear fuel their builders produce. For example, Rosatom reactors consume Rosatom fuel rods. However, there are examples when Russian reactors are used with American rods. One is the Czech Republic, but that block is not similar to the one under design for Paks.
Orbán to meet Macron on Monday
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will meet French President Emmanuel Macron for talks at a working dinner in Paris on Monday, Orbán’s press chief said in a statement. According to French press reports, the meeting will be held in preparation for an EU summit held late in March.
The agenda of the talks includes the war in Ukraine, European competitiveness, energy issues, and the continent’s defence industry.
Source: MTI, 444.hu
2 Comments
The last thing Victor needs is another dinner!
…But at least there will no lángos on the French dinner menu 😀 😀 On second thoughts, lots of heavy cream and cheese are just as bad for the girth. 😀