Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, has announced that plans are underway for the construction of two new nuclear reactors in the country.
According to Peter Szijjarto, Russian nuclear power giant Rosatom will be constructing these reactors in Hungary in some weeks to come.
“Let the construction begin!” said Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in a Facebook post.
The deal, reached between Russia and the EU state in 2014, aims to expand the existing Paks nuclear plant.
“This is a big step, an important milestone,” Mr Szijjarto said in a Facebook post quoted by AFP news agency.
“In this manner we will ensure Hungary’s energy security in the long term and protect Hungarians from wild swings in energy prices,” he added.
Russia’s nuclear industry has not been subjected to EU sanctions over its bloody invasion of Ukraine.
Moves to isolate and sanction its oil and gas exports have not been unconditionally supported by Hungary.
The Paks site currently generates 40% of Hungary’s electricity supply.
With the additional two reactors, the nuclear power station – currently made up of four Soviet-built reactors – will see its capacity more than double.
According to Peter Szijjarto, the nuclear reactors could be ready for service by 2030.
The controversial €12.5bn (£10.6bn; $12.4bn) project is largely financed by Russia.
In the wake of the war in Ukraine, many EU states have been trying to lessen their dependence on Russian supplies of energy.