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.