"All this means that completion of the work by 2030 remains a realistic target," noted Péter Szijjártó.Continue reading
The government is expanding and improving its existing relations with a key company in the nuclear industry. The expertise of Framatome could be used in Hungary to extend the lifetime of existing blocks or to introduce next-generation technologies, the Ministry of Energy announced in a press release.
Energy Minister Csaba Lantos and Bernard Fontana, CEO of French Framatome, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 12 in Budapest to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The predecessor of the ministry and the domestic subsidiary of the global company strengthened their ties in the peaceful use of nuclear energy at the end of 2021. The partnership, focusing primarily on education, training, and research and development, will be complemented by joint work on the long-term operation and fuel supply of nuclear power plants. According to the press release,
this change justifies the direct involvement of the parent company, which has broader economic, technical, and organizational expertise.
CEO of French Framatome Bernard Fontana (L) and Energy Minister Csaba Lantos (R)
Photo: Facebook/Energiaügyi Minisztérium
“Hungary will continue to give a high priority to climate-friendly, sustainable nuclear energy in the national energy mix,” the Ministry of Energy cited Csaba Lantos in a statement. The extension of the operating lifetime and the safe fuel supply of the operational Paks nuclear plant blocks in preparation requires a thorough assessment of international experience and the fullest possible exploitation of this experience.
Framatome’s globally recognized capabilities can also provide useful support to the Ministry of Energy in carefully mapping the applicability and benefits of small modular reactor (SMR) technology,
Lantos explained in the statement.
“Without nuclear power plants, there is no security of supply, no reduction of external exposures, and no climate protection commitments. At the EU level, Hungary is one of the most committed supporters of cooperation between Member States to promote the use of nuclear energy. France is our constant ally in this fight, but Framatome is also a key player in European energy sovereignty and competitiveness efforts. By strengthening our partnership, we are entering a new era of ever-expanding and mutually fruitful cooperation,” the minister concluded.
via MTI, Featured images: Facebook/MVM Paksi Atomerőmű Zrt., Facebook/Energiaügyi Minisztérium