Energy needs for the 21st century and the Hungarian energy strategy

His Excellency J. Koka, Minister of Economy and Transport, Hungary, suggested that as a result of the need for energy, notably electric energy, by a growing world population, it is rational to work for a low carbon intensive energy future as the basis of sustainable development. His conclusion was that at the present time and in the next decades nuclear power is the only viable source of vast amounts of additional energy that is sustainable. He suggested that beyond the environmental and economic benefits, nuclear power may provide an attractive option in the search for greater energy security, which is the one of the main pillars of energy strategy. The Hungarian energy supply is about 70% energy import dependent, therefore the security of energy supply is a priority of the national energy strategy. The safe, successful and profitable operation of the State owned Paks nuclear power plant greatly contributes to meeting this challenge. This situation could change significantly after 2012 if the units of Paks were shut down at the expiry of their operational licences. Based on the present tendencies and market conditions, the prediction is that either the growth of demand must be covered by gas fired power plants that produce energy more expensively compared with nuclear power plants, or electricity will have to be imported. He indicated that the Hungarian Government's position is that the only feasible solution to this problem is the long term operation of Paks nuclear power plant, and to that end the Hungarian Government is ready to provide the necessary support. Detailed assessment of the plant status demonstrates that the condition of the plant is excellent, and the continuation of safe operation for another 20 years at the expiry of the present operational licence is feasible. He noted that public acceptance of nuclear power generation in Hungary has been continuously over 70% for many years. Mr. Koka also stated that Hungary is particularly thankful for the assistance provided by the IAEA and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The safety of the plant is a precondition for the licence renewal and long term operation