Hungary to install U.S.-developed modular nuclear reactors: Is energy sovereignity coming?

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Hungary has taken another major step toward energy sovereignty with an agreement to install small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by U.S.-based GE Hitachi.

The project aims to provide a fast and flexible alternative to traditional nuclear power, particularly as the Paks II plant continues to face long delays. According to the U.S. Embassy, the memorandum of understanding was signed by Hungary’s Hunatom and Poland’s Synthos Green Energy (SGE).

Kontroll reports that the technology not only supports traditional electricity grids but may also serve industrial parks and standalone energy-intensive facilities. Up to ten BWRX-300 reactors could be built in Hungary over the next decade—clear evidence that the country is pursuing a more modern and diversified energy strategy.

Regional partnership with American backing

This initiative extends beyond Hungary as part of a broader Central European cooperation stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea. GE Vernova, the parent company of GE Hitachi, is currently in talks with several countries in the region about potential SMR installations. The project strengthens strategic ties between NATO member states and the United States.

The effort falls under the U.S. government’s FIRST program (Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology), which promotes the global deployment of SMRs.

The program’s objectives go beyond energy security, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and boost economic efficiency. Hungary’s involvement also integrates with SPRING, a European nuclear partnership focused on enhancing the continent’s energy independence.

Although the announcement is significant, it did not come as a surprise to the Hungarian government. Energy Minister Csaba Lantos stated as early as 2023 that Hungary was seeking nuclear technology that can be deployed quickly and efficiently.

In recent months, Foreign Minister PĂ©ter SzijjĂ¡rtĂ³ and Deputy Minister Levente Magyar have frequently met with U.S. counterparts to discuss potential SMR applications in Hungary.

According to official communications, the agreement is more than just another investment—it represents a long-term strategic decision aimed at reducing Hungary’s dependence on energy imports while creating new opportunities for domestic industry and innovation. The introduction of modular reactors also offers an alternative to Russian technology—a message with geopolitical implications.

Why this type of reactor?

Many see the BWRX-300 reactor project as a response to uncertainty surrounding Paks II. The new blocks, to be built by Russian firm Rosatom, are facing years of delays, even as Hungary’s electricity demand continues to rise. The need for additional capacity is becoming increasingly urgent. SMR technology offers an ideal middle-ground solution: faster to build, easier to deploy, and less reliant on extensive infrastructure.

The BWRX-300 also acts as a technological safety net in case the Paks II project encounters further obstacles, whether due to construction setbacks or shifting geopolitical dynamics. This dual-track approach underscores how Hungary maintains ties with Russia while gradually pivoting toward its Western allies in the energy sector.

The selection is no accident. Developed by GE Hitachi, the BWRX-300 represents a new generation of SMRs. Each reactor can generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity—enough to supply roughly 200,000 to 300,000 households annually. It also requires significantly less land and offers a simpler permitting process compared to large-scale traditional reactors.

Safety is another compelling factor. The BWRX-300 is designed to operate safely during earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. It also requires much less cooling water, a significant advantage in a world increasingly affected by climate change. Its modular design makes it well-suited for decentralised energy networks, such as those serving industrial parks or independent infrastructure hubs.

The U.S.–Hungary SMR deal is more than just a new energy investment—it’s a strategic signal from the heart of Europe. The choice of technology clearly shows Hungary’s openness to Western innovations as it works to diversify and modernise its energy supply.

Deploying SMRs is not only an economic opportunity but also a timely answer to the growing challenges of the global energy market. The coming years will reveal just how successful this ambitious shift will be—but the direction is clear: toward smaller, faster, and more sustainable nuclear reactors.

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