Paks II Personnel to Train on Russian Simulators
JET, a company within the Rosatom Service group, has successfully passed an international audit qualifying it to supply training equipment to overseas partners.
The simulator systems are scheduled for delivery to Hungary in 2027–2028. Their entry into service will mark an important milestone in preparations for the launch of Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors.
International Qualification and Audit
The Supplier’s Nuclear Evaluation (SNE) audit is a comprehensive, independent assessment of suppliers to the nuclear industry. Experts evaluate quality management systems, safety culture, manufacturing processes and the capabilities of engineering personnel. Successfully completing the assessment confirms that a company meets stringent international requirements and can provide reliable systems that are critical to plant operations.
JET specializes in developing complex hardware and software systems for nuclear power plants. Its integration into the Rosatom Service group gives it access to common industry standards and advanced technologies.
The Russian-Hungarian Paks II project involves building two Generation III+ power units with VVER-1200 reactors at the existing Paks nuclear power plant in Hungary. Training equipment for plant personnel will be updated as the control systems themselves are modified. Successfully passing the international assessment supports the integration of Russian-developed systems into the Hungarian plant’s infrastructure.
Digital Twins of Control Room Panels
A modern nuclear plant simulator is a sophisticated hardware and software system that serves as an exact digital replica of a real power unit. At its core is a high-fidelity mathematical model that calculates, in real time, the physical processes taking place in the reactor core and coolant circuits.
The simulator’s algorithms account for thousands of parameters and respond instantly to every operator action. A full-scope simulator reproduces the appearance, ergonomics and functionality of an actual control panel. This helps personnel develop muscle memory and practice responses to abnormal situations until the required actions become automatic.
An analytical simulator, meanwhile, is used to practice complex operating scenarios, optimize fuel cycles and analyze transient processes.
Delivery Schedule and Training Requirements
The contract sets out a clear schedule for integrating the Russian simulators into the training center at the Paks II nuclear power plant. Delivery of the analytical simulator is scheduled for December 2027. It will be the first to arrive at the site, allowing Hungarian engineers to begin applied studies of reactor physics well before nuclear fuel is delivered. They will be able to model different operating scenarios and test automation algorithms.
The full-scope simulator for the unit control room is scheduled to arrive in Hungary in spring 2028. Its integration will mark the final stage of personnel preparation. Future control room operators will begin practicing both normal operating procedures and emergency scenarios.
Training on accurate digital replicas of plant equipment is particularly important for younger professionals. By the time the first reactor is physically started up, staff will already have accumulated hundreds of hours of simulator experience and learned how the plant operates under a wide range of conditions.
Global Reach of Simulator Deliveries
JET’s simulator systems have already demonstrated their reliability on major international projects undertaken by the Rosatom state corporation. Russian simulators are operating successfully at training centers for the Tianwan and Xudabao nuclear power plants in China, the Kudankulam plant in India and the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant. Equipment is also being supplied for the Rooppur plant under construction in Bangladesh and the El Dabaa plant in Egypt.
Standardized software and hardware make it possible to replicate proven training practices around the world. At the same time, the core mathematical model for VVER-1200 reactors remains consistent, supporting high-fidelity, repeatable simulations.
Expanding exports is also creating sustained demand for Russian IT specialists and thermal-hydraulics engineers. Developing digital twins of nuclear power units requires deep expertise in nuclear energy as well as advanced programming skills.
Successful delivery under the Paks II contract further strengthens Russia’s position as a global leader in providing end-to-end nuclear power solutions.
