Hungary’s nuclear operator MVM Paksi Atomeromu, a subsidiary of state-owned Hungarian Power Companies Ltd (MVM), has applied to the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA) to extend the operating life of unit 4 at the Paks NPP by 20 years until 31 December 2037. Paks 4, a 473-MW Soviet-built VVER-440 pressurised water reactor, began commercial operation in November 1987. The original 30-year operating licence for the unit expires on 31 December 2017, HAEA said. The four VVER-440 units in commercial operation at Paks all began operation between 1983 and 1987. Paks 1 and 2 have already received 20-year life extensions and will be in operation until 2032 and 2034 respectively. A 20-year licence extension for Paks-3 is under review after an application was submitted by the operator in December 2015.
