Hungarian PM Doubts Paks-2 Permit Over Danube Drying
"After all, if the initial Paks AEP cannot ensure the operation of the cooling channel at such a water level, how could the Paks-2 AEP have been ensured?" said Mr. Madjar at a press conference after visiting the Paks AEP (the broadcast was on his YouTube channel).
Consensus
- Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Madar expressed doubts about the environmental permit for the Paks-2 nuclear plant project.
- The concern stems from the low water levels in the Danube River.
- The existing Paks nuclear power plant is unable to operate its cooling system due to low water levels.
- The Paks-2 project involves expanding the Paks plant with two new reactor units.
- The project is being carried out in cooperation with Rosatom.
- A decision on replacing Rosatom as the general contractor will be made after a comprehensive audit.
Points of divergence
- One of the reactor units at the Paks nuclear power plant was shut down on August 1 due to critically low water levels in the Danube. — kommersant
- Currently, two turbines out of eight are operating at the Paks plant, producing 480 MWh instead of the full 2000 MWh capacity. — kommersant
- The first concrete for the reactor building foundation was poured in February. — kommersant
- The environmental permit for Paks-2 was already issued before Madar's statement. — vesti
- Madar stated that the permit may be deemed illegal due to the Danube's water levels. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Hungary doubts feasibility of Paksh-2 nuclear power plant construction due to Danube water level drop — Коммерсантъ
- Hungarian doubts legality of environmental permit issued to Paksh-2 nuclear power plant — Вести