A contract has been signed under ceremonial conditions for the development of a state-of-the-art combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant at the Tiszaújváros site of MVM Tisza Erőmű Ltd. The official agreement marks the beginning of turnkey execution planning, procurement, and construction of what is expected to be Hungary’s most efficient large-scale power plant.
On behalf of the project client, representatives of MVM Tisza Erőmű, part of the MVM Group, signed the contract. The two-member consortium that won the public procurement tender for the construction and long-term maintenance of the gas turbines includes Italian energy giant Ansaldo Energia and Turkish conglomerate Calik Holding, whose leaders officially certified the document.
The signing ceremony was attended by official representatives of the Embassies of the Republic of Turkey and the Italian Republic, along with government officials. In his celebratory speech, Csaba Lantos, Minister of Energy, emphasized that the Hungarian state supports the development of the domestic energy sector and is committed to green and sustainable solutions.
“The construction of the new power plant is of historic importance, as no new baseload power plant has been built in Hungary in the past one and a half decades. It is also a crucial step for domestic energy production, as it contributes to strengthening energy independence, improving supply security, and achieving our climate goals. The new facility will play an important role in balancing renewable electricity production, thereby supporting the successful energy transition.
Once commercial operation begins, the two-block, 1000-megawatt (MW) combined cycle gas turbine plant is expected to supply an average of 7,500 GWh of electricity annually to the Hungarian power grid,” said the Minister.
Ahmet Calik, President of Calik Enerji Swiss and lead company of the consortium, shared his vision for developing business ties in Hungary and Europe and for strengthening sustainable partnerships.
“Çalık Enerji has become one of the world's leading energy companies, successfully harnessing nature’s power in the service of people to create a better and more sustainable future. We are honored to contribute to Hungary’s energy supply and enhance its energy security. With our highly experienced team, we aim to be an integral part of Hungary’s strategic growth by providing long-term solutions using the most advanced technologies.”
Károly Mátrai, CEO of the MVM Group, emphasized the project’s local and regional significance, as well as its social and economic impacts:
“The Tisza CCGT project marks a new era in Eastern Hungary's energy production. A modern, flexible generation capacity will be established in place of a previously decommissioned traditional power plant, capable of adapting to increased consumer demand and supporting the integration of planned weather-dependent renewables into the grid.
The power plant to be built at our Tiszaújváros site—whose capacity will be roughly half that of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant—will leverage existing electricity grid connections, a cooling water system, and nearby natural gas access. Thanks to the favorable infrastructure and geographical conditions, the investment not only strengthens grid stability but also gives new impetus to the local economy and employment. Preliminary surveys in nearby communities show that the vast majority of residents support the development, confirming the project's social acceptance and contribution to the region’s sustainable growth.”
Fabrizio Fabbri, CEO of Ansaldo Energia, the consortium's other member, emphasized the strategic importance of the project for Hungary’s energy security and transition. He highlighted the value of Ansaldo’s innovative technologies and expressed pride in supporting Hungary’s growth through a strong international partnership.
“It is an honor to participate in a project of such defining importance for Hungary’s energy future. The MVM Tisza power plant will be the country’s most efficient, ready to meet Hungary’s growth and increasing energy needs. This agreement is a decisive step toward strengthening the nation’s strategic energy security. At Ansaldo Energia, we are proud to bring our most advanced gas turbine technology—suitable for hydrogen use—to this project, combining exceptional reliability with outstanding efficiency and operational flexibility,” said Fabrizio Fabbri.
