Hungary signs agreement with Synthos to introduce US small modular reactors

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.