The Hungarian Ministry of Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen bilateral cooperation with the French company Framatome. The document provides for joint work on the operation and supply of fuel for nuclear power plants.
Source: moscowtimes.eu
The ministry noted that Framatome's experience can be used to extend the life of existing power units or introduce new generation technologies.
The Hungarian Ministry of Energy has been cooperating with Framatome since 2021. And now this partnership, initially focused on research and training, will be complemented by joint activities to ensure the long-term operation of nuclear power plants and fuel supply.
Hungary has only one nuclear power plant with a capacity of 2000 MW, located in Paks. It was built in the 1980s according to the Soviet design and runs on Russian nuclear fuel, providing half of all electricity generated in the country and a third of the electricity consumed.
There are four power units at the plant. According to Energy Minister Csaba Lantos, international expertise is needed to extend their lifespan and ensure a safe fuel supply, and Framatome can help assess the prospects for small modular reactors.
On September 10, Telex sources reported that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban plans to convert Paks to French fuel to reduce energy dependence on Russia.
Hungary intends to expand the nuclear power plant to increase its capacity to 4,400 MW. To this end, the authorities signed an agreement with Rosatom to build two more power units. The concern noted that work could begin in 2024. The project cost is 12.5 billion euros. It is 80% financed by a €10 billion Russian loan.
Background. Earlier, the media reported that Hungary plans to abandon Russian nuclear fuel at the Paks NPP. The country wants to switch to French fuel, but the specific supplier was not known.