Latest News

Hungary to import US small modular reactor technology with Polish partner

Hungary has made a major step in importing technology for small modular reactors by partnering up with Poland's Synthos Green Energy. Synthos Green Energy holds the central European rights to GE Vernova Hitachi technology.

Hunatom, a Hungarian firm that develops nuclear energy in Hungary, signed a letter with Synthos. Synthos is the project developer of BWRX 300 reactors for this region.

Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that this agreement was about initiating technological, infrastructure, financial and legal preparations needed to bring American nuclear technology into Hungary.

GE Vernova Hitachi, a joint venture of General Electric and the Japanese conglomerate Hitachi, is a successful business.

The number of reactors that Hungary wanted was not immediately known. Csaba Lantos, the Energy Minister of Hungary, said that by 2023 at least one modular small reactor will be needed.

After the signing ceremony, Robert Palladino said, "The United States of America and Hungary are deepening their relationship in all areas: in defense and commerce, space and energy."

Hungary has four VVER reactors, originally brought on line between 1982 and 1987.

In 2014, Hungary and the Russian nuclear company Rosatom signed a deal worth 12,5 billion euros for two new 1.2 gigawatts reactors to be built at Paks. These reactors will be added on top of four existing reactors. The project, known as Paks 2, is still a long way behind schedule.

The project was given to Rosatom by the government without any tendering process. This is seen as a sign that NATO and European Union members Hungary and Russia are still close, despite their war in Ukraine. (Reporting and editing by Anita Komuves)

(source: Reuters)