During the course of the project launched for the enlargement of the Paks atomic power station, Hungary is acting in harmony with the EU’s energy policy as the European Commission itself is reckoning with the maintenance of nuclear production capacity in the future, the government commissioner responsible for maintaining the capacity of the Paks atomic power station told the Hungarian News Agency MTI on Monday.

Attila Aszódi highlighted: the European Commission’s recently released strategic report reckons with the maintenance of the current level of nuclear production capacity by 2050 in Europe which may require projects worth EUR 400 to 450 billion. The maintenance of the available capacity involves both the construction of new power plants and the extension of the lifespan of existing ones, he added. He stressed: in the report the Commission classifies the VVER-1200 reactor, which is planned to be installed as part of the Paks project, as one of the most advanced reactors.

In answer to comments made at the Monday event of Energiaklub which was concerned with the Paks enlargement, the government commissioner pointed out: it is indeed an important sovereign right for every country to have the freedom to decide on its own energy mix. While Austria is able to generate 60 per cent of the electricity used from hydropower due to its high mountains, this is not possible in Hungary, he said in response to the Austrian position which underlines the importance of renewable energy sources.

He reiterated that atomic power stations account for 27 per cent of the electricity generated in Europe, and there are reactors in 14 out of the 28 Member States. The fact that these power plants generate power around the clock has enormous benefits in supply security and climate protection, he pointed out. He further remarked that there are at present nuclear power station projects in various phases, from the actual construction works, through planning permission, to preparatory works, in 10 countries, and mentioned Slovakia, France and Finland as examples.

By the government commissioner’s account, there is a fair, neighbourly partnership and cooperation with Austria in connection with the Paks enlargement. 30 countries have been invited to join the environmental impact analysis procedure. At the request of Austria, a public hearing and expert consultations were also held at which all the questions were answered. Austria indicated at the end of March that they regard the procedure as closed on their part, and they wish to settle any technical issues that may have remained concerning safety on a bilateral basis, Mr Aszódi reported.

He pointed out that renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power as well as biomass, are eligible for enormous state grants. In the case of Paks II, there is no need for subsidies or fixed buying prices in order for the investment of the project to be recovered, he said. The project will be able to recover all its costs at the electricity price level which is expected to prevail by the mid-2020s.

He added that they have had ongoing talks with the European Commission regarding state aid for some time, and all the questions have been answered. He stressed that there is an investigation due to non-prohibited state aid, and indicated at the same time: he sincerely hopes that the Commission will adopt its position on the matter by mid-year.

By Mr Aszódi’s account, the Government has explored alternative scenarios, including a zero alternative. According to the energy policy scenario approved by Parliament in 2011, the alternative which also includes nuclear energy offers the best solution for securing the country’s power supply in the long run, he said.

As they entered into a fixed-price agreement with the Russian main contractor, there will be no need for any excess investments which were not included in the calculations made to date, the government commissioner added.

(Prime Minister's Office)