Groundwater Infiltration Complicates Construction at Hungary's Paks II Nuclear Project
Concerns over groundwater levels emerge, but nuclear authorities assure safety measures are effective
In the ongoing construction of Hungary's Paks II nuclear power expansion, significant groundwater infiltration has been confirmed at the excavation site.
Ákos Hadházy, an independent Member of Parliament, raised concerns earlier in the year about potential shifts in the excavation walls, prompting responses from official bodies.
These bodies noted that the water leakage is managed and does not hinder construction, thanks to efficient water extraction systems.
The Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (OAH) has clarified that soil reinforcement at Unit 5 of the Paks II site is complete, while work continues at Unit 6. A diaphragm wall encircles the excavation, with depths reaching 30 meters, while the excavation currently extends to 23 meters at its deepest point.
Carefully controlled groundwater levels, influenced by the nearby Danube, are monitored continuously, with the OAH having access to the readings.
Geotechnical behavior of the area remains within safe parameters, the authority states, stressing that a drop in groundwater poses a more significant risk than a rise.
The existing and new planned nuclear plant areas incorporate warning, intervention, and shutdown thresholds regarding water levels, although specific numeric data on current levels have not been publicly shared.
The neighboring construction of a new 530-megawatt power plant by a consortium led by Status Kpria Zrt., linked to business magnate Lőrinc Mészáros, has drawn scrutiny.
This project, set to incorporate hydrogen-compatible gas turbines supplied by Italy's Ansaldo, is particularly noteworthy for its environmental promises.
However, the inclusion of Egypt's Elsewedy Electric, previously flagged for environmental violations, in the consortium has raised questions from watchdogs like Greenpeace.
The tender process, which the HVG reported included bids from major international players like General Electric and Siemens Energy, saw significant competition.
The successful consortium claims the project will contribute positively to climate goals by enabling a transition from coal and promises completion by 2028.
Ákos Hadházy, an independent Member of Parliament, raised concerns earlier in the year about potential shifts in the excavation walls, prompting responses from official bodies.
These bodies noted that the water leakage is managed and does not hinder construction, thanks to efficient water extraction systems.
The Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (OAH) has clarified that soil reinforcement at Unit 5 of the Paks II site is complete, while work continues at Unit 6. A diaphragm wall encircles the excavation, with depths reaching 30 meters, while the excavation currently extends to 23 meters at its deepest point.
Carefully controlled groundwater levels, influenced by the nearby Danube, are monitored continuously, with the OAH having access to the readings.
Geotechnical behavior of the area remains within safe parameters, the authority states, stressing that a drop in groundwater poses a more significant risk than a rise.
The existing and new planned nuclear plant areas incorporate warning, intervention, and shutdown thresholds regarding water levels, although specific numeric data on current levels have not been publicly shared.
The neighboring construction of a new 530-megawatt power plant by a consortium led by Status Kpria Zrt., linked to business magnate Lőrinc Mészáros, has drawn scrutiny.
This project, set to incorporate hydrogen-compatible gas turbines supplied by Italy's Ansaldo, is particularly noteworthy for its environmental promises.
However, the inclusion of Egypt's Elsewedy Electric, previously flagged for environmental violations, in the consortium has raised questions from watchdogs like Greenpeace.
The tender process, which the HVG reported included bids from major international players like General Electric and Siemens Energy, saw significant competition.
The successful consortium claims the project will contribute positively to climate goals by enabling a transition from coal and promises completion by 2028.
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