Nuclear power remains an indispensable tool for Hungary to ensure energy supply security and achieve its climate objectives amid ongoing geopolitical instability, Hungarian State Secretary for Energy András Tótth declared. At the FIRST Europe regional conference on the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), Secretary Tótth emphasized that the government in Budapest remains fully committed to nuclear power.
“Nuclear energy is a must,” Tótth said. He noted that current geopolitical challenges highlight the crucial importance of security of supply. The issue proves especially critical for Hungary, which relies on foreign imports to cover 80 percent of its total energy requirements. To illustrate the vulnerability of the nation’s grid, Tótth cited a critical situation this past summer. Low water levels along the Danube River forced authorities to reduce output nearly to a total standstill at Paks, the country’s only nuclear power plant. The near-shutdown created serious pressure on the Hungarian energy system.
Beyond supply security, Tótth argued that Hungary cannot fulfill its decarbonization and climate protection targets without nuclear power. On climate strategy, Tótth noted that “one solution will not solve all our problems,” but added that nuclear energy remains necessary to tailor national solutions to climate change. He added that Hungary possesses deep historical expertise and technical know-how in the nuclear industry, which provides a strong industrial foundation to support future projects. Tótth confirmed that preparations are underway to extend the operational lifespan of the four existing Paks reactors by another 20 years.
On next-generation technology, the State Secretary framed small modular reactors as an attractive alternative if the relevant actors can deliver a rapidly and flexibly implemented solution at a competitive price. He concluded by stating that the Hungarian government plans to extend the nuclear cooperation with the USA and closely follow technological progress and SMR deployment models in the American market.
Source: CEEnergy News