The Paks-2 Nuclear Power Plant project advances into the main construction phase
The Paks-2 project in Hungary has entered the primary construction stage, signaling a new level of activity on the site. Heavy equipment and crews from Russia and Hungary are coordinating closely to lay the groundwork for the new facility. The general contractor, Atomstroyexport, has begun erecting two VVER-1200 generation 3+ reactor units. In response, Hungarian contractors are preparing soil excavation plans for the sixth power unit, organizing soil stabilization activities, and continuing impermeable protection measures around the site. These coordinated efforts mark a clear advancement in the project’s overall timeline and readiness for the next pivotal tasks.
The transition to the main phase followed amendments to the construction agreement signed on August 18 and official notification from the Hungarian project customer confirming the shift to the second, main stage of construction. This milestone indicates that the project has moved beyond early preparations and is now operating at the pace required to bring the new power units online. Project governance has stated that the main stage will support the production of major power equipment and the erection of essential buildings and structures needed for safe operation.
Rosatom has highlighted that the excavation area for the planned sixth block spans an area roughly the size of four football fields. The expected soil removal totals about one million cubic meters, underscoring the scale of earthworks involved in site preparation. This level of activity aligns with the broader objective of delivering a fully functional facility that meets current safety and engineering standards.
Officials have confirmed that authorization to proceed with the second stage enables early installation of key equipment and the initiation of construction on the main structures. Regulatory and contractual milestones have aligned to permit this intensified phase of work, reinforcing confidence in the project schedule and its ambitious targets for power generation capacity.
Earlier statements indicated that senior leaders from Hungary’s energy sector and the project leadership within the construction consortium signed agreements to commence the Paks-2 build. The collaboration between the national energy authority and the Rosatom-led team reflects a shared commitment to advancing this strategic energy project for Hungary and the region. The formal start of construction has been reported as a landmark moment in the long-running program, signaling readiness to translate planning into tangible progress.
In summary, the Paks-2 project has entered a robust phase of physical construction. With large-scale earthworks underway, the initial unit construction beginning, and the main infrastructural buildings taking shape, the project is progressing toward expanding Hungary’s nuclear energy capabilities while adhering to international safety and engineering standards as affirmed by the involved organizations and authorities. The continued work at this scale demonstrates a sustained effort to deliver a modern, reliable power source for the future, strengthening energy security and regional cooperation.