Roszatom: the Paks expansion has gathered pace and is proceeding according to plan

Alexei Likhachev, Chief Executive Officer of Roszatom, spoke in detail about the status of the Paks II nuclear power station project in a statement to the Russian press on Thursday, and also touched upon the cooperation with the Hungarian side.

According to a statement from the Russian state-owned energy company, the chief executive said that construction at Paks had accelerated and that Roszatom was adhering to the plan agreed with the Hungarian client for the project.

The foundations for the reactor building of Unit 5 will be completed before winter

The site manager for Roszatom recalled that the first concrete pour for the foundations of the reactor building for Unit 5 at Paks took place in February. „The foundations for 80% have already been completed, and more than 18,000 cubic metres of concrete have been poured into the foundation so far,” he said. He emphasised that this is an enormous quantity, noting that the amount of concrete used so far is equivalent to the volume of seven Olympic-sized swimming pools. He added that, according to plans, the foundations for the Unit 5 reactor building will be completed before winter.

He also made special mention of Unit 6, where earthworks are currently underway to excavate the foundation pit for the reactor building. The earthworks are progressing steadily and according to plan, and preparations for the first concrete pour on this unit will also begin by the end of the year.

Assembly of the reactor vessel is also set to begin shortly

Meanwhile, the manufacture of equipment for the Paks II nuclear power station is also in full swing. The first large-scale piece of equipment for the new nuclear power station – the 730-tonne core melt trap – was delivered to the construction site on 1 August 2024, he recalled.

Production of the reactors for both units has commenced at the plants associated with the 1TP3671 project. The components for the reactor vessel of Unit 5 have been fully completed, and assembly of the reactor vessel is also due to begin shortly.

There are currently around 500 people working on the Paks expansion project

He went on to say that the manufacture of the reactor vessel components for Unit 6 is also proceeding according to schedule. The French company Alstom is supplying the turbines and associated equipment for the Paks II nuclear power station; production of the turbines began in April 2025 in Belfort, France.

He emphasised that the construction of the Paks II nuclear power station is an international project. „In addition to Russian and Hungarian companies, American, Czech, French, Dutch, German, Austrian, Swiss, Slovak and Turkish companies are also involved.„ ”Around 500 people are currently working on the construction of the Paks II nuclear power station,” explained Alexei Likhachev.

They are ready for dialogue

He also provided a detailed response to a question regarding cooperation with the Hungarian side. „A month ago, there was a change in management at the Hungarian client (Paks II. Atomerőmű Zrt.),” he said. „We have established a working relationship with the new management and are cooperating with them. As for our interaction with the new Hungarian government: as we have previously indicated, we are ready for dialogue, and also to provide factual and quantifiable answers to any questions the Hungarian government may have. We have not received any enquiries so far,” said Alexei Likhachev.

The Chief Executive Officer of Roszatom went on to say that they had seen numerous statements and various reports in the Hungarian media regarding the project.

„We are confident that the dialogue on energy security in Hungary and the role of nuclear energy will take place in a pragmatic and constructive spirit. The country’s development requires the swiftest possible response to the energy challenges affecting the economy”

– he added. “According to experts, any further delay to the Paks II nuclear power station construction project, resulting from a review of its key parameters, would inevitably have an impact on the development of the whole country, as well as on the well-being of the population,” emphasised the Chief Executive of Roszatom.