The Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation organized a press tour for industry experts and media representatives to inform about the activities of the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant. It was attended by representatives of Uzbekistan, India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Hungary, the Arab Republic of Egypt, Kazakhstan, Türkiye.

UzA correspondent interviewed Hungarian energy expert, Zsolt Harfash.

– I think that this press tour, organized by the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation, is very useful for its participants, – says Zsolt Harfash. – The participants of the event got acquainted with the activities of the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant.

I have visited the Leningrad NPP several times, including during the construction of new power units, and I am familiar with the process of their work. VVER-1200 power units are among the most reliable in terms of nuclear and environmental safety, and this is recognized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The same type of power unit will be built in Hungary. The power unit was carefully studied to obtain the approval of the European Union. Studies have confirmed that it meets the most stringent European requirements in terms of both radiation and nuclear safety.

– What is Hungary’s experience in this sphere?

– Hungary has 40 years of experience in building nuclear power plants. In the early 1980s, the first VVER-440 power unit of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant was established, then three more power units of the same capacity were put into operation.

It is important that three weeks ago our country received a license for the construction of VVER-1200 power units at the Paks-2 NPP. The service life of power units will be at least 60 years. I would also like to note that the permit for the construction of power units in Hungary using Russian technology is the first in Europe.

– What is the main reason for building a nuclear power plant in Hungary? Does your country use other sources to generate electricity?

– This is a very important question. Hungary’s decision to build new power units had the same prerequisites as before – the need for providing the population with a reliable and safe source of energy at an affordable price and the lack of other sources of electricity in sufficient quantities, except for nuclear power. Over time, the conditions prevailing in the energy market confirmed the correctness of Hungary’s decision, and this is especially noticeable now, when Europe is experiencing an energy crisis. Accordingly, it is thanks to nuclear power units that Hungary can provide itself with electricity at an affordable price.

– How did the population of the country react to the construction of new blocks?

– A nuclear power plant in Hungary has been operating for almost 40 years, and people know that it is safe. Over the decades, nuclear power has proven to be a safe and stable way to generate power, so people are not afraid. People must understand that it is thanks to nuclear power plants that energy is relatively cheap. 50 percent of the energy produced in our country is provided by the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.

– What are the conditions for building power units in Hungary?

– The cost of the project is 12.5 billion euros, of which 80 percent is a Russian loan, 20 percent is from the Hungarian Government.

Local industry can also participate in the supply of equipment and provide various services up to 40 percent.

Interviewed by Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA