Hungary has issued permits enabling Rosatom to begin pouring first concrete for the Paks II Nuclear Power Plant. Alongside advancing the construction project, Rosatom is expanding cooperation with Hungarian communities: international photo exhibitions have opened in the cities neighboring the nuclear power plant, and a Russian delegation held a series of meetings on social infrastructure development and sister-city ties.
The Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority has issued permits allowing for the start of first concrete pouring for the foundation of Paks Unit 5, and construction of the nuclear island buildings. The advanced Paks II NPP is the first nuclear power plant being built to the Russian Generation III+ VVER-1200 design in the European Union.
“The licenses obtained enable Rosatom’s engineering division AtomStroyExport as the general contractor to begin preparations for the first concrete pouring to take place in February 2026,” said Alexander Merten, Senior Vice President for International Business Development at AtomStroyExport.
Issued as supplements to the general construction license from 2022, the licenses confirm that the construction project complies with strict international, European, and national nuclear safety requirements. The comprehensive safety approach, including the use of active and passive systems, ensures that all standards are met.
Earlier, Hungary approved the shipment of equipment for the nuclear island of the Paks II NPP. Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division received confirmation from the Hungarian customer that the equipment was in full compliance with their requirements. According to the document, the Russian nuclear corporation may ship equipment for the nuclear steam supply system, which is being manufactured at the production sites of the mechanical engineering division.
The production facilities and equipment were inspected by experts from the audit team of the customer (Paks II. Ltd.) accompanied by representatives from the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority as part of a supervisory audit. No issues were identified during the inspection, and the division continues to work actively on the project.
Currently, the production facilities of Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division are manufacturing VVER-1200 reactors for the two power units of the Paks II NPP under construction. The manufacturing of steel blanks for Unit 5 began in 2024, followed by the same for Unit 6 in 2025. Also in 2025, manufacturing began on the reactor internals for the Unit 5 reactor.
Russian nuclear experts visited Hungary. The delegation included representatives from Rosatom, Russian nuclear host communities, and the Foundation for Assistance to the Development of Municipalities. The delegation visited Hungarian sister cities, met with their mayors, inspected social facilities, and visited the Paks II construction site. A meeting was also held at the National Parliament of Hungary, among other events.
“Partnerships with Hungary in peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a bright chapter in the history of our two countries, and a symbol of a long-standing, strong friendship. The relationships between sister cities are a clear example of this. We will continue to deepen cultural and social ties and expand mutual understanding between our peoples,” said Tatyana Terentyeva, Rosatom’s Deputy Director General for Human Resources.
“The Paks II construction project is grounded in the experience of building advanced power units at the Novovoronezh and Leningrad nuclear power plants. We are interested in developing industrial cooperation with the Voronezh Region, as well as adopting best Russian practices in urban development and social projects,” said János Süli, a member of the Hungarian National Assembly.
Rosatom’s engineering division, AtomStroyExport, has opened an outdoor exhibition titled “The Light Within Us” in the city of Kalocsa, which is located near the Paks NPP. The exhibition is dedicated to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Russian nuclear industry. It features the best photographs from Bangladesh, India, China, Egypt, Hungary, and other countries presented at the ASE International Photo Awards.
Another outdoor exhibition was opened in Paks. Titled “Energy of the Future,” it showcases works by young Russian artists.
“For Paks, nuclear energy is the energy of the past, present, and future. That is precisely why I wish us all plenty of strength and energy so that we can reach the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first concrete pouring as soon as possible as it will mark the beginning of a new nuclear development,” said Anita Heringes, Mayor of Paks.
Photo by: ASE JSC, AEM-Spetstal plant, Rosenergoatom Concern
