Hungary’s government should abandon its plans to build a new nuclear power plant immediately.
That was the message Greenpeace sent Hungary’s lawmakers today when we turned Budapest’s Clark Adam Square into a giant nuclear symbol.
Next week members of the Hungarian Parliament could stop nuclear expansion. They may be asked to approve plans to build a second nuclear power station at Paks in the heart of the country. That’s their chance to show their country and the world that we do not need nuclear power.
In 2011, Greenpeace Hungary published its edition of the Energy [R]evolution study, our blueprint for a clean energy future. It points out that phasing out nuclear energy is a real alternative for Hungary.
The future energy needs of Hungary can be fulfilled by a renewable-based, decentralised system mostly built on Hungarian resources. The system could be built up gradually so that by 2050, 75% of energy would come from renewable sources.
If the politicians put Hungary’s Energy[R]evolution scenario in place, by the 2030s Hungarians would no longer face the risks of nuclear power plants, and wouldn’t depend on foreign sources of energy
Hungary could have the energy security that comes with renewable energy. Currently, it relies on Russia for its oil, gas and nuclear fuel. The Russian company Rosatom would build the new nuclear power station and the Russian state has offered to loan 10 billion euros - $13.65 billion – to help pay the construction costs.
Building new nuclear power means giving up on the option of cheaper, more secure, cleaner and sustainable energy.
Greenpeace calls on Hungary’s MPs to vote “No” for a new nuclear power station at Paks but a “Yes” to making time for the country to examine real alternatives.
(Greenpeace calls on everyone who agree that Hungary does not need new nuclear power to join our NGO demonstration on Saturday, 1 February at 3:30PM in Budapest’s József nádor Square.)
Image © Bence Jardany / Greenpeace