Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, has expressed optimism about accelerating the long-delayed Paks II nuclear power plant project in Hungary. CEO Alexey Likhachev stated that cooperation with Hungary’s incoming government could help restart momentum and speed up construction.
Head of Rosatom says they are advancing as fast as they can
Speaking in Moscow, Likhachev emphasised that work at the site is already advancing at full pace. The first concrete was poured in February, and the foundation slab for the first new reactor unit—considered the fifth block of the existing Paks Nuclear Power Plant—is expected to be completed this year. Construction on the second unit is also actively underway.
The future of the project, however, is closely tied to Hungary’s evolving political landscape. Former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently acknowledged that the project should have been completed much earlier. In a post-election interview, he described delays to Paks II as a significant governmental failure, arguing that faster completion could have resulted in cheaper energy and stronger economic performance, reports 444.hu.
Tisza wants to have more energy suppliers
Meanwhile, the election-winning Tisza Party has signalled a shift in energy strategy. The party’s programme includes plans to diversify electricity and gas imports, reduce dependence on Russian energy by 2035, and double the share of renewables by 2040. It has also pledged to review the Paks II investment, particularly in terms of cost and long-term viability.
Despite the uncertainty, Moscow has indicated its willingness to maintain strong bilateral ties. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia respects the outcome of Hungary’s democratic decision and hopes for continued pragmatic cooperation with the new leadership.
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Featured image: Paks II. Atomerőmű Zrt.
