Nuclear energy and renewables are not competing technologies but complementary ones, both of which will be needed to meet the growing demand for electricity driven by electrification and data centres, Attila Ságodi stated at the Portfolio Energy Investment Forum 2026 conference. During the executive panel discussion, the Chairman and CEO of Paks II Ltd. emphasised the importance of European cooperation, adding that the continent needs to strengthen its capabilities in manufacturing power plants and energy equipment.

Attila Ságodi also pointed out that domestic energy investments are increasingly significant from an economic, industrial policy and job creation perspective. He called for greater involvement of industry experts in the preparation of energy policy decisions.

“We need nuclear energy. This is also what Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is saying when she states that Europe cannot achieve energy sovereignty without nuclear power,” Attila Ságodi said following the panel discussion. He noted that an increasing number of European countries are planning to build nuclear power plants, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania, alongside Hungary. Nuclear energy is therefore experiencing a renaissance. It is crucial that the technology and financial resources required for these planned developments are available within Europe.

“The Hungarian project is at a very advanced stage, but it is also extremely complex. We need to rethink many aspects of this project, and there are numerous challenges to address if we are to turn the advantage Hungary has gained into real added value and economic benefits,” the Chairman and CEO emphasised.

All experts participating in the executive panel discussion at the Portfolio Energy Investment Forum 2026 agreed that renewable energy, nuclear power and natural gas will need to be used in a complementary manner in the coming years.