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Given the security of Hungary’s energy supply as well as economic and climate protection considerations, Hungary has “no alternative” to building a nuclear plant, the minister without portfolio in charge of the upgrade of the Paks nuclear power plant told an international energy conference in Budapest.

Climate policy goals cannot be fulfilled without nuclear energy and nuclear plants are capable of providing nonstop power for the industrial sector and consumers, János Süli told the Budapest Energy Summit. He added, however, that the Hungarian government supports increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix and wants to include such resources in Hungary’s electricity production.

Citing a recent analysis by power transmission system operator Mavir, Süli said Hungary’s electricity demand could grow by 3,500-5,000 megawatts by 2030, which was why he said the construction of the Paks plant’s two new reactors was necessary. Süli said Hungary’s economic progress brought with it a growing electricity demand, but most of the country’s power plants are old. Without the Paks upgrade project, Hungary would face serious power supply problems within 5-10 years, he said.