Hungary Paks nuclear expansion contract review

The Hungarian government is evaluating whether to replace the Russian state corporation Rosatom as the primary contractor for the Paks nuclear power plant expansion. The project, originally awarded to Rosatom in 2014 without competitive bidding, has already seen investments exceeding 2 billion euros.

While the administration of Prime Minister Péter Magyar maintains that the expansion is necessary, officials are reviewing alternative suppliers to align with European Union foreign policy guidelines. This review aims to assess the legal, technical, and financial implications of a potential change in contractors.

Experts have warned that terminating the contract could result in multi-billion euro costs, including compensation for preparatory work and manufactured equipment. Citing a precedent in Finland, analysts note that unilateral termination could lead to significant legal claims. Additionally, canceling the project may jeopardize long-term energy security by delaying capacity increases and increasing reliance on electricity imports. Despite the ongoing review, Rosatom reports that work is proceeding according to schedule.