According to Hungary’s foreign minister, two new nuclear reactors will soon begin construction in Hungary by the Russian nuclear power firm Rosatom.
The agreement, which was made in 2014 between Russia and the EU state, aims to expand the current Paks nuclear reactor.
EU sanctions on Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine have not been applied to the country’s nuclear industry.
Hungary’s support for measures to isolate and punish its exports of gas and oil has not always been unqualified.
Currently, 40% of Hungary’s electricity is produced at the Paks facility.
“Let the construction begin!” said Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in a Facebook post.
With the additional two reactors, the nuclear power station – currently made up of four Soviet-built reactors – will see its capacity more than double.
“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 continued by saying that the nuclear reactors might be operational by 2030.
Russia is principally responsible for funding the contentious €12.5 billion ($12.4 billion; £10.6 billion) project.
Many EU nations have been working to reduce their reliance on Russian energy supply in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine.
