Hungary signs agreement with Synthos to introduce US small modular reactors

Hunatom announces a strategic alliance with Synthos Green Energy to introduce US small modular reactor technology, strengthening energy ties between Hungary, Poland and the United States.

Share:

Hungarian nuclear development company Hunatom has signed a letter of intent with Synthos Green Energy, its Polish partner and holder of the rights to GE Vernova Hitachi’s small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Central Europe. This partnership paves the way for the introduction of this US-origin technology in Hungary, marking a new stage in the diversification of the national energy mix.

First steps towards SMR technology in Hungary

The agreement foresees the launch of technological, infrastructural, financial and legal preparatory work for the deployment of the BWRX-300 reactor, developed by GE Vernova Hitachi, a joint venture between General Electric and the Japanese group Hitachi. Synthos Green Energy, responsible for developing SMR projects in Poland, thus becomes the reference partner for the Hungarian market.

The exact number of reactors targeted by Hungary has not been disclosed. However, the Minister of Energy, Csaba Lantos, stated in 2023 that the country needed to build at least one small modular reactor to meet future demand.

A partnership strengthening regional energy ties

Hungary already operates a nuclear power plant with four Soviet-designed VVER units, commissioned between 1982 and 1987. In addition, an agreement worth EUR12.5bn ($13.6bn) was concluded in 2014 with Russian company Rosatom for the construction of two new 1.2 gigawatt reactors at the Paks site. This project, called Paks 2, is currently facing multiple delays.

This new agreement with Synthos Green Energy comes at a time when energy alliances are being reshaped in Central Europe, with Hungary pursuing diversification of its technology providers. The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Hungary, Robert Palladino, stated that this collaboration marked a deepening of relations between the two countries in the field of energy, as well as in other sectors such as defence and trade.

Industrial and strategic stakes

The involvement of American and Polish partners in this nuclear project forms part of a wider movement of regional and transatlantic cooperation. Discussions with Synthos Green Energy are expected to lead to feasibility studies and the identification of sites for future modular reactors. SMR technology is considered a flexible solution suitable for medium-sized power grids, meeting growing electricity demand.

The implementation of this project will be closely followed by industry players due to the strategic importance of nuclear power for the country’s security of supply and industrial competitiveness.

Unit 3 of the Tomari nuclear power plant takes a major step towards restart after its safety equipment was validated by the Japanese regulator.
The Russian Minister of Energy announces strengthened cooperation in uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger, reinforcing Russia's economic presence in a key sector following the withdrawal of several Western players.
Last Energy reaches a key regulatory step for its PWR-20 microreactor project in Llynfi, advancing towards the objective of securing a site licence by December 2027 from British authorities.
Slovenské elektrárne has signed an agreement with Urenco for the purchase of enriched uranium for the Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants, strengthening the diversification of its supply sources until the mid-2030s.
Emirates Nuclear Energy Company signs two major agreements with Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Westinghouse, strengthening its position in the global civil nuclear market and paving the way for new international industrial opportunities.
First Hydrogen expands its collaboration with the University of Alberta to optimise small modular nuclear reactor design and support green hydrogen development amid the growth of artificial intelligence data centres.
The French and Belgian energy ministers have signed a declaration of intent to strengthen ties between Paris and Brussels on nuclear energy, as Belgium has abandoned its 2003 nuclear phase-out plan.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has authorised the restart of the Palisades power plant, marking a key milestone for Holtec in reintegrating this reactor into the US energy mix. —
The Genkai nuclear power plant detected the intrusion of three unidentified drones, prompting an immediate investigation by Japanese authorities into this unusual incident with potential national security implications.
Tehran agrees to host experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming weeks, excluding any visit to sensitive sites as diplomatic tensions persist with European nations and the United States.
Standard Uranium announces the results of a high-resolution electromagnetic survey at the Corvo project, confirming 29 kilometres of conductive corridors and launching the planning of an inaugural drilling programme for 2026.
NANO Nuclear Energy assembles and tests its annular induction pump prototype, marking progress for its microreactor programmes and paving the way for potential commercialisation of the technology.
Hungary reaffirms its intent to double the capacity of its Paks nuclear power plant in partnership with Rosatom, with concrete works expected to begin in the autumn.
Arabelle Solutions, a subsidiary of EDF, will provide turbine island equipment for the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor project in Canada, marking a milestone for the industrialisation of SMRs in North America.
Framatome will supply nuclear fuel and technical services to ENEC, strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ energy supply chain for the Barakah nuclear plant.
French start-up Stellaria secures €23mn ($25.2mn) in funding to accelerate the design of its fast neutron nuclear reactor, with first fission expected in 2029 and commercial deployment targeted for 2035.
The Bulgarian National Audit Office report highlights persistent delays and contractual irregularities in the implementation of the national repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.