Hungary’s four-reactor Paks Nuclear Power Plant generates about half of electricity consumed by this central European nation. The country is planning to expand the plant by adding two reactors with the help of Russian nuclear giant Rosatom. The 2014 contract is estimated at 12.5 billion euros ($13.6 billion).
"The signing of agreement today, transition to the second phase and acceleration of building allows us to proceed with our initial goal of having concrete poured [to form the base] before the end of next year," Szijjarto told a press conference.
The foreign minister spoke alongside MVM Paks NPP Ltd, the plant operator, and Rosatom representatives at an agreement-signing event that kicked off the first phase of reactor construction. The official noted that work was underway around-the-clock.