Service life of the nuclear power plant built with the help of the Soviet Union to be extended in Paks, Hungary

The service life of the nuclear power plant built in Paks, Hungary, with the assistance of the Soviet Union will be extended. One of these days, the first-born of the Hungarian nuclear energy will be marking its 20th anniversary.

Studies have shown that there are no technical, financial or other obstacles to extend the service life of the nuclear power plant, Karoly Molnar, chairman of the Council of the Directors of Nuclear power plants said. He said that the same is true of the safety of the power plant. The plant's reactors are in a good condition that has been checked by numerous international inspections. They fully meet the EU demands for nuclear facilities of the same age.

The Paks power plant is vitally important, as Hungary does not have a good alternative for nuclear energy. Moreover, the construction of nuclear waste storages in Badaapati and the Mecsek mountains are being actively built, Molnar stressed.

The programme of the recovery of the power plant requires 100 billion forints (about 400 million dollars) to be implemented. It is noteworthy that the funds will be allocated from the plant sources.

The initial technical study suggests that the Paks power plant will be closed in 2012-2017. Hungarian specialists believe that the term can be extended for another 20 years.