Preparatory technological, financial, infrastructural and legal work for the introduction of American small modular nuclear technology in Hungary will soon begin, as announced by Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó on Wednesday.
According to a statement by the ministry, Szijjártó emphasized that the security of energy supply has come under threat in many parts of the world, including Europe, as several transport routes have been shut down as a consequence of political decisions, leading to drastic price increases. Hungary, which has neither a coastline nor significant domestic energy resources, is particularly hard hit by these developments; therefore, the government remains committed to ensuring the lowest household utility costs on the continent.
Szijjártó emphasized that as much of the country’s energy demand as possible should be met through domestic production, with nuclear energy—currently undergoing a technological revolution—being the primary solution. In addition to traditional large-scale power plants, small modular nuclear reactors have emerged as ideal for supplying reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy to major industrial regions.
He noted that American companies, including GE Vernova—which also operates in Hungary—are the world market leaders in this still-developing technology. In Central Europe, the rights to GE Vernova’s technology are held by the Polish company Synthos Green Energy. Szijjártó added that a nuclear power plant using this technology is already under construction in Canada and has received approval from local authorities, which he described as an ‘encouraging and reassuring signal’ for Hungary as well.
The minister announced that Hunatom, a company within the Paks II group responsible for nuclear technology development, has signed an agreement with Synthos Green Energy to prepare for the introduction of the American technology in Hungary. ‘This agreement is about beginning the technological, infrastructural, financial and legal preparatory work required for the introduction of American nuclear technology in Hungary,’ Szijjártó said, stressing that meeting the country’s growing energy demand safely and cost-effectively is essential for the future growth of the Hungarian economy.
He added that investments continue to arrive in Hungary at a strong pace, with new factories being built and jobs created, all of which require large volumes of inexpensive and safely produced energy, without increasing harmful emissions. He pointed out that given Hungary’s size, it is not realistic to build several large nuclear power plants in succession; however, small modular reactors (SMRs) could provide a viable solution. ‘Today, therefore, we have taken the first step towards ensuring that Hungary will be able to use the most modern small nuclear technology in the future when it comes to the security of its energy supply,’ he said, adding that the preparatory work will begin simultaneously on legal, infrastructural, financial and legislative fronts.
Speaking at the announcement, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Hungary Robert Palladino highlighted that General Electric’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor is one of the most advanced and safest nuclear technologies available anywhere in the world, describing it as a pure American innovation. The senior diplomat emphasized the broadening partnership between Washington and Budapest, noting that it is based on shared interests and common values: sovereignty, freedom and the right to chart one’s own course.
‘Energy security, not dependence. American innovation, not ideological activism. Civilizational alignment, not political interference,’ Palladino said, outlining the main drivers behind the improved relations between the two sides following the damage caused by his predecessor, David Pressman. In a post on X, the diplomat described the agreement as a historic step towards bringing American nuclear energy to Hungary.
SMRs’ standardized, factory-built modules can be deployed rapidly and cost-effectively, avoiding many of the delays and budget overruns that often plague traditional large nuclear reactors. Their compact size and scalability make them adaptable to a wide range of sites, including remote or less-developed areas, and they can be installed in stages to accommodate growing energy demand. SMRs also incorporate passive safety features, operate at lower pressures and feature simplified designs—all of which significantly reduce accident risks and strengthen containment performance. By generating carbon‑free, reliable energy within a minimal physical footprint, this technology can bolster grid resilience, support industrial processes, and advance decarbonization objectives.
Related articles:
