The Climate Policy Institute organized an educational visit to the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, providing researchers and students with a deeper understanding of Hungary’s nuclear energy system and its strategic role in national energy security.
The three-hour program began with a guided tour of the Nuclear Power Plant Museum, where participants learned about the history of the facility, its technological development since its establishment in the 1980s, and its contribution to Hungary’s energy independence. The museum showcased detailed models of the VVER-440 reactor units, explaining how pressurized water reactors function through the process of controlled nuclear fission.
After the museum tour, the group proceeded to the operational area of the power plant, where they observed safety systems, control mechanisms, and reactor maintenance procedures under strict supervision. Experts explained that Paks Nuclear Power Plant currently provides approximately 45–50% of Hungary’s total electricity production, making it the backbone of the country’s low-carbon energy mix. The visit emphasized that nuclear energy plays a vital role in maintaining stable baseload electricity generation, ensuring energy affordability and supply security, particularly in times of market volatility. Participants also learned about the Paks II expansion project, which will introduce two new VVER-1200 reactor units to further enhance capacity and efficiency in alignment with EU safety standards.
Engineers discussed the plant’s cooling system, which uses water from the Danube River, and the strict environmental monitoring protocols in place to protect surrounding ecosystems. The students expressed interest in how nuclear technology integrates with Hungary’s broader strategy of diversified and sustainable energy development, combining nuclear, natural gas, and renewables. Overall, the visit provided a comprehensive, hands-on insight into how Hungary’s nuclear infrastructure supports both its economic stability and long-term energy sovereignty.
