The announcement, made by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on state channel M1, marks an important step in the diversification of energy supply.
Budapest aims to secure additional fuel to meet growing demand for electricity, although it has confirmed it will continue to maintain relationships with its traditional suppliers in Moscow.
A nuclear system dominated by Russian technology
Currently, the Paks nuclear plant It is Hungary’s main source of atomic energy. This complex has four VVER-440 reactors of Russian origin that generate approximately 2,000 megawatts, which is equivalent to about 50% of the electricity consumed in the country.
The Hungarian government has ambitious expansion plans. The Russian state company Rosatom currently built two new reactors of 1.2 gigawatts each, with which Hungary intends to double its total nuclear capacity. However, technological and fuel dependence on Russia remains a sensitive point for the European Union’s energy policy, especially after the start of the war in Ukraine.
Szijjarto has noted that, together with the agreements already in place with Rosatom, his government is starting consultations with the United States for the acquisition of alternative nuclear fuelin order to guarantee the safe operation of future reactors and increase the country’s energy autonomy.
Logistical challenges for US supply
Despite mutual interest, possible collaboration between Washington and Budapest presents technical and market obstacles. According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA)the North American nuclear sector depends almost entirely on foreign uranium: the 99% of the uranium consumed in a typical year is importedwhile national production barely reaches 0.05 million pounds annually.
In 2023, Canada, Australia and Russia were the main exporters of uranium to the United States, followed by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This data raises doubts about Washington’s ability to become a stable supplier for third countries like Hungary, at least in the short term.
Still, the federal government is taking steps to strengthen its internal nuclear supply chain. In 2024, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) received 2.7 billion dollars in public funds aimed at reducing dependence on Russian uranium and reactivating national production. This plan includes incentives to expand uranium enrichment capacity and encourage the development of high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU)essential for new generation reactors.
The role of American industry
One of the key companies in this effort is Centrus Energy Corp.based in Maryland, the only US company licensed to produce HALEU uranium. Its role is crucial in reviving national enrichment capabilities and in the future supply of advanced reactors that the United States plans to export.
If Hungary manages to establish agreements with American producers, it could benefit from a more diversified supply and aligned with the energy security policies of the European Union, which from 2022 seeks to reduce dependence on Russian fuels. Cooperation would also strengthen ties between Budapest and Washington in a strategic and sensitive area, such as nuclear energy.
Europe and the search for energy autonomy
The Hungarian decision is framed in a continental context in which several EU countries seek alternatives to Russian supplies. After the sanctions imposed on Moscow, the bloc has promoted energy diversification projects, from American liquefied natural gas to new electrical interconnections between member countries.
Hungary, however, has maintained a more pragmatic than political position, continuing to cooperate with Russia on nuclear matters while exploring Western options. His government believes that energy security should take precedence over diplomatic tensions, an approach that generates debate within the European Union but responds to the country’s immediate needs.
Nuclear energy remains the fundamental pillar of the Hungarian electrical systemand its role will grow as new reactors come into operation. In this context, ensuring a stable and diversified supply of fuel becomes essential to guarantee the continuous and safe operation of the plants.
A balance strategy between East and West
The Budapest movement illustrates a strategy of geopolitical balance: maintain cooperation with Russia while opening the doors to collaboration with United States and other Western partners. This tactic allows it to retain autonomy and flexibility at a time when energy has become an instrument of global influence.
In the medium term, diversification of uranium sources and nuclear technology could put Hungary in a stronger position against future supply crises.