The contract for the development of the new combined cycle gas turbine unit at the Mátra Power Plant was signed in a ceremonial setting. Thanks to the official agreement, detailed design and preparation of construction works can now begin for the large-scale power plant employing innovative technologies in Visonta.
On the client side of this major project, representatives of MVM Mátra Energia Zrt., operating under the umbrella of MVM Group, signed the contract. On behalf of the three-member consortium that previously won the public procurement procedure for the construction of the new power plant and long-term maintenance of the gas turbine, the document was authenticated by the executives of Status KPRIA Zrt. (belonging to the Mészáros Group), West Hungária Bau Kft. (also 100% Hungarian-owned, part of the WHB Group), and Elsewedy Power System Projects, part of Elsewedy Electric, one of Egypt’s leading industrial and energy companies.
Official representatives of the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt and government officials were also present at the private ceremony held in the Glass Hall of the Palace of Arts. In his ceremonial speech, Energy Minister Csaba Lantos emphasized that the Hungarian state supports developments of historic significance in the domestic energy sector and is committed to green and sustainable solutions.
“The signing of this contract is excellent news because it has been about a decade and a half since a baseload power plant was last commissioned in Hungary. The construction of the new power plant is a defining step for domestic energy policy, as it simultaneously contributes to strengthening our energy independence, enhancing security of supply, and achieving our climate goals. The new facility will play an important role in balancing renewable electricity production, thus also in achieving a successful energy transition,” said the Minister.
Lőrinc Mészáros, owner of the Mészáros Group, also spoke about the significance of the project and the innovative role of the new combined cycle gas turbine unit.
„A nagyszabású fejlesztés hozzájárul ahhoz, hogy hazánk energiaellátása még biztonságosabb, még kiszámíthatóbb és környezetvédelmi szempontból a lehető leghatékonyabb lehessen. “This major development contributes to making our country’s energy supply even more secure, more predictable, and as efficient as possible from an environmental perspective. The new power plant will use the most advanced high-efficiency technologies during its operation. Moreover, it will be capable of utilizing a large proportion of green hydrogen, thus carbon dioxide-free fuel. This is a serious professional achievement, as this innovative professional solution will be applied here in Hungary for the first time,” said Lőrinc Mészáros.
On behalf of MVM Group, CEO Károly Mátrai highlighted the local and regional role of the investment, as well as its social and economic impacts:
“For MVM Group, it is of paramount importance to offer sustainable and reliable solutions for future energy supply. The new gas turbine power plant in Visonta, as part of MVM Group’s 2035 strategy, promotes the growth of weather-dependent renewable electricity production, and its system regulation capability allows it to contribute to the stable maintenance of domestic electricity production by replacing the capacity of lignite-fired units. With this development, we ensure the continuity of operations at the Mátra Power Plant, which is also extremely important for local employment and the economy. Based on preliminary surveys, the vast majority of residents in the surrounding settlements support the investment, which reinforces the project’s social acceptance and contributes to the sustainable development of the region.”
Ahmed Elsewedy, Chairman and CEO of Elsewedy Electric, owner of Elsewedy Power System Projects – the foreign member company of the three-member consortium entrusted with the development project – shared his thoughts on the international professional partnership and the further strengthening of Hungarian-Egyptian economic and business relations with those present.
“Elsewedy Electric has been committed to developing energy and infrastructure solutions for more than eight decades. Since our founding in 1938, we have strived for long-term solutions that support the community, create opportunities, and contribute to economic growth. We are proud of our role as a reliable provider of integrated infrastructure solutions, and we specialize in accelerated, turnkey projects that help power industries and nations. . This is our company’s first project in Hungary, but certainly not the last. We see that Hungary is performing exceptionally well on Europe’s energy palette, which is why we would like to play an active role in developing its infrastructure for many years to come,” added Ahmed Elsewedy.
