The Hungarian nuclear power plant Paks must expand its capacity by two new reactors to successfully cover the growing energy consumption in Hungary, stated power plant expert Andras Cserhati.
The reactors, each with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, are expected to be completed between 2020 and 2025, emphasized Cserhati at a professional conference in Budapest. Some experts assume that there will be a future need for an additional capacity increase of eight thousand megawatts.
The demand for electricity recently reached a record level in Hungary, ranging from 6,200 to 6,300 megawatts, as many Hungarians used air conditioning during the hot summer. The Hungarian parliament extended the operational lifespan of the Paks nuclear power plant until 2037 in 2005. The adoption of the decision to expand its capacity is conditional on the preparation of an environmental impact study and feasibility study, which could take two to three years. Obtaining the necessary permits, issuing public tenders, and the construction itself will require an additional seven to eight years, explains the Hungarian expert.
The costs of expanding Paks will amount to $1,500 per megawatt of capacity, he adds. Surveys show that about 70 percent of Hungarians support the use of nuclear energy. (Hina)
