• First concrete poured for Hungary’s Paks II nuclear project The Paks II project is for two Russian VVER-1200 units - the pouring of first concrete marks the official point when the project gains the status of a “nuclear power plant under construction”. • The quality of the concrete in the foundation slab is crucial for the strength and durability of the building which is designed to safely host an operating nuclear power reactor for an initial service life of 60 years, with a possible life extension to 80 or even 100 years. • In total 9,000 tonnes, or 43,000 cubic metres, of reinforced concrete will be required for the foundation slab and concreting is expected to continue all year. • Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó said that “many people wanted and want to prevent this investment” but that had not stopped the project, and he said: “Today is a historic day … • the nuclear power plant will mean that we will be able to produce approximately 70% of electricity demand in Hungary. • This will significantly reduce our dependence on international markets and their often completely insane price increases.” At the ceremony on Thursday, Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said: “Today’s landmark event illustrates the constructive and mutually beneficial relations that have developed between our countries.
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