The Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (OAH) has issued a partial permit to Paks II Nuclear Power Plant for soil stabilisation works on the nuclear island for the first of two new reactor units at Paks, potentially paving the way for the pouring of first concrete early next year.

According to the OAH decision, the “partial occupancy and use permit” covers the deep soil works carried out beneath the future Paks 2-1 nuclear unit, which will be the first unit of the new Paks 2 project, but the fifth unit at the site.

The stabilised soil mass is designed to prevent soil collapse during seismic events and to improve the mechanical properties of the natural foundation.