Nuclear power in Hungary: history and outlook

Hungary is a Central European country that has adopted nuclear power to meet a significant proportion of its electricity needs. In 2020, around 48% of the electricity produced in Hungary came from nuclear power [1]. The main aim of this energy strategy is to guarantee energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this article, we look at the history of nuclear power generation in Hungary, the nuclear reactor technologies used, and innovative power plant and reactor projects.

Nuclear power is an important part of Hungary’s energy mix, contributing almost half of the country’s electricity production. While the Paks nuclear power plant continues to operate with Soviet-designed reactors, Hungary plans to expand its nuclear capacity with the Paks II project and the potential adoption of advanced modular reactors. Despite the controversies and challenges, nuclear power should continue to play a key role in Hungary’s energy strategy in the future.

History of nuclear power generation in Hungary

The development of nuclear power in Hungary began in the 1960s, with the planning of the Paks nuclear power plant. Construction of Paks began in 1974, and the first reactor was commissioned in 1982 [2]. Since then, three more reactors have been added to the plant, with the last one commissioned in 1987. Today, Paks NPP has four nuclear reactors in operation, generating around 2,000 MWe [3].

Paks Nuclear Power Plant is the only nuclear power plant in Hungary, and is operated by the national electricity company, MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant Ltd. Throughout its history, the Paks plant has faced technical and political challenges, including maintenance problems and international pressure to reduce dependence on nuclear power. Nevertheless, nuclear power remains a key element of Hungary’s energy strategy, and the country plans to expand its nuclear capacity in the future [4].

Nuclear reactor technologies used

The Paks nuclear power plant is equipped with four Soviet-designed VVER-440/213 pressurized water reactors (PWRs). These reactors are considered safe and reliable, but they are less efficient and have a lower production capacity than more modern nuclear reactors [5]. VVER-440/213 reactors were designed to operate for 30 years, but their lifespan has been extended through improvements and upgrades [6].

Paks’ reactors have undergone several safety upgrades over the years, including upgrades to control systems, safety systems and emergency cooling systems. These upgrades were carried out to meet international safety standards and to extend the life of the reactors [7].

Innovative power plant and reactor projects

Hungary plans to expand its nuclear capacity to meet growing demand for electricity and to replace older coal-fired power plants. The Paks expansion project, known as Paks II, calls for the construction of two new VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors (PWRs), with a total capacity of 2,400 MWe [8]. The new reactors are expected to be safer and more efficient than the old VVER-440/213s, while generating less nuclear waste.

The Paks II project has generated controversy and debate in Hungary and the European Union, due to concerns about safety, transparency and costs. However, in 2017, the European Commission approved the project, subject to compliance with certain conditions, including the implementation of additional safety measures and regular monitoring of the project by international experts [9].

In addition to Paks II, Hungary is also studying the possibility of using advanced modular reactors (AMRs) to complete its nuclear fleet. AMRs are small nuclear reactors that can be built more quickly and at lower cost than conventional large nuclear power plants. They also offer greater flexibility to meet variations in electricity demand and to replace aging plants [10].

List of Hungarian nuclear reactors

Countries producing nuclear power

References

• [1] [. [3. [4][5] [6] [7] [8]World Nuclear Association. (2021). Nuclear Power in Hungary. https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-g-n/hungary.aspx Ibid.
• [9] European Commission. (2017). State aid: Commission approves Hungarian support for Paks II nuclear power plant. http://europa. eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-192_en.htm
• [10] World Nuclear Association. (2021). Small Nuclear Power Reactors. https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/nuclear-power-reactors/small-nuclear-power-reactors.aspx