Economy
Hungary in advanced talks with Russia to prolong life of Paks nuclear plant
The price of electricity is a key question for Hungary's competitiveness and therefore a high priority for the government, Lázár said. "While households need afforable electricity, however the source and price of electricity is equally if not more important for the economy." The Paks power plant is an inevitable factor, he added, reminding Parliament authorised the government to prepare expansion of the plant back in 2009.
As the existing units in Paks expire in 2037, it is a pressing issue for Hungary to consider the future of the plant, which prompted several rounds of talks with Russia recently, Lázár said.
"Unless the government takes steps to ensure continued operation, the plant will shut down in 2037 making it impossible to carry out plans to cut household electricity bills and provide cheaper power to businesses," he noted.
"Parliamentary authorisation points towards sustaining capacities at Paks, this is why we have started talks with Russia. I would like to inform Parliament via the Economic Committee that talks between the government and Russia are underway with several issues related to the future of Paks on the agenda."
On certain issues the negotiations are already in their final stage, according to Lázár. "Hungary has stated its intent to extend the agreement it had with Russia since 1966. Talks between Hungary and Russia have nearly reached conclusion regarding the issue of maintaining the current capacity. In the next phase Hungary will sign an agreement with Russia that will need to be ratified by Parliament.
As the existing units in Paks expire in 2037, it is a pressing issue for Hungary to consider the future of the plant, which prompted several rounds of talks with Russia recently, Lázár said.
"Unless the government takes steps to ensure continued operation, the plant will shut down in 2037 making it impossible to carry out plans to cut household electricity bills and provide cheaper power to businesses," he noted.
"Parliamentary authorisation points towards sustaining capacities at Paks, this is why we have started talks with Russia. I would like to inform Parliament via the Economic Committee that talks between the government and Russia are underway with several issues related to the future of Paks on the agenda."
On certain issues the negotiations are already in their final stage, according to Lázár. "Hungary has stated its intent to extend the agreement it had with Russia since 1966. Talks between Hungary and Russia have nearly reached conclusion regarding the issue of maintaining the current capacity. In the next phase Hungary will sign an agreement with Russia that will need to be ratified by Parliament.
