Russian nuclear energy giant Rosatom will start building two new nuclear reactors in Hungary in the coming weeks, the Hungarian foreign minister has said. The agreement, reached between Russia and the EU state in 2014, aims to expand the existing Paks nuclear plant.
Russia’s nuclear industry has not been subject to EU sanctions for its bloody invasion of Ukraine.
Hungary has not wholeheartedly supported measures to isolate and sanction its oil and gas exports. The Paks site currently generates 40% of Hungary’s electricity supply.
“Let the construction begin!” Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a Facebook post.
With the additional two reactors, the nuclear power station – currently made up of four Soviet-built reactors – will see its capacity double. “This is a big step, an important milestone,” Mr Szijjarto said in a Facebook post quoted by AFP news agency.
“In this manner, we will ensure Hungary’s energy security in the long term and protect Hungarians from wild swings in energy prices.”
He added that the nuclear reactors could be ready for service by 2030.
The controversial €12.5bn (£10.6bn; $12.4bn) project is financed mainly by Russia. In the wake of the war in Ukraine, many EU states have been trying to lessen their dependence on Russian energy supplies.