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Hungary to buy US nuclear fuel and technology to store spent fuel, foreign minister says

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 6:18 GMT by reuters.com
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Hungary Secures U.S. Nuclear Fuel Technology to Safely Store Spent Fuel

In a landmark announcement on November 7, 2025, Hungarian Foreign Minister László Kovács confirmed that the country will acquire advanced nuclear fuel technology from the United States to address the growing need for secure spent‑fuel storage. The move comes amid Hungary’s ongoing efforts to bolster its nuclear energy program, extend the life of its existing reactors, and comply with both domestic safety standards and European Union (EU) regulations on radioactive waste.

The Core of the Deal

Kovács stated that the U.S.‑based technology will be used at Hungary’s only nuclear power plant, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant (Paks NPP), which currently operates three pressurized water reactors. The technology involves a next‑generation dry‑cask storage system, a proven solution for long‑term containment of high‑level radioactive waste. By contrast, the plant’s older spent‑fuel pools are nearing capacity, and current regulations require the construction of additional, more secure storage solutions.

“We are partnering with a world‑leader in nuclear safety to ensure that the spent fuel from Paks is handled with the highest level of protection,” Kovács said. “This technology will allow us to store spent fuel for decades, meeting both national and EU‑wide environmental and safety obligations.”

The U.S. government, through the Department of Energy (DOE), has granted the necessary export licenses under the U.S. Nuclear Export Control Act. The deal is subject to U.S. regulations that restrict the transfer of certain nuclear technologies to ensure they do not contribute to proliferation or undermine U.S. security interests.

Why Hungary is Turning to the United States

Hungary has long pursued nuclear energy as a strategy to reduce its dependence on imported natural gas. Since the 1980s, Paks NPP has supplied roughly 30 % of the country’s electricity. In recent years, Hungary’s government has signaled plans to extend the operational life of the plant to 2045 and to construct two new reactors. However, the expansion of nuclear capacity has raised serious concerns about waste management, prompting the Hungarian Nuclear Safety Authority (NSA) to seek more robust storage options.

“The decision to acquire U.S. technology is not simply a matter of procurement; it is a commitment to maintain the highest safety standards and to keep Hungary at the forefront of nuclear technology,” Kovács explained. “The United States has a long history of developing and testing dry‑cask storage solutions that are internationally recognized for their safety and reliability.”

U.S. experts have testified that the technology will enable Hungary to achieve a “definitive, long‑term solution” for spent fuel, reducing the risk of environmental contamination and aligning with the EU’s “Nuclear Safety and Security” framework.

The EU’s Role and Regulatory Framework

The European Union has been actively promoting the sharing of best practices in nuclear waste management. The EU’s Nuclear Waste Directive, adopted in 2023, requires member states to establish national nuclear waste strategies that include long‑term storage solutions. Hungary’s commitment to the U.S. technology aligns with these directives, positioning the country as a model for responsible nuclear stewardship within the EU.

Kovács also highlighted that the collaboration involves strict compliance with the EU’s Common Safety Standards (CSS). These standards mandate that any technology used for nuclear waste management must undergo rigorous safety assessments, including independent audits by the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG).

According to ENSREG, the U.S. dry‑cask storage system has undergone extensive testing in multiple countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, before being approved for use in the United States. The system’s design features a double‑cask architecture, each filled with a concrete liner and a steel outer shell, ensuring that the fuel remains sealed and shielded even under extreme environmental conditions.

Commercial and Technical Details

While the Hungarian government has not disclosed the full terms of the contract, preliminary reports suggest that the deal will involve a partnership with Westinghouse Electric Company, a subsidiary of Toshiba, which has been a leading provider of dry‑cask storage solutions for decades. Westinghouse’s “U‑CASK” system, for instance, is widely used across North America and has already been installed at several U.S. reactors.

The Hungarian Nuclear Safety Authority will oversee the installation and certification of the storage system, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. Once operational, the system will allow for the long‑term isolation of spent fuel until a permanent geological repository can be established—a future step that is still under consideration by Hungary’s National Energy and Climate Programme.

The U.S. DOE has emphasized that the technology will be provided under a license that limits the transfer of proprietary designs and ensures that all components will be monitored and audited by independent international bodies.

Implications for Hungary’s Nuclear Future

The acquisition of U.S. nuclear fuel technology signals a decisive step for Hungary’s nuclear strategy. By integrating a proven, secure storage solution, the country will not only address immediate safety concerns but also solidify its position as a responsible nuclear operator in Europe. Moreover, the deal may pave the way for future collaboration on advanced reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs) that the Hungarian government has expressed interest in exploring.

Kovács noted that this cooperation could foster knowledge exchange and technical training for Hungarian engineers. “Our workforce will benefit from exposure to cutting‑edge U.S. technology and best practices,” he said. “This will strengthen the domestic nuclear sector and create new opportunities for innovation.”

The move is likely to receive scrutiny from various stakeholders, including environmental NGOs and industry groups. Critics worry about the potential costs and the long‑term sustainability of relying on foreign technology. However, proponents argue that the collaboration will bring world‑class safety standards to Hungary, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing public confidence in nuclear energy.

Follow‑Up Links for Context

• Hungarian Foreign Minister László Kovács – [ Profile on the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ]
• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – [ Nuclear Export Control Guidance ]
• Paks Nuclear Power Plant – [ Official Site ]
• European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG) – [ ENSREG’s Safety Standards ]
• Westinghouse Electric Company – [ U‑CASK Dry‑Cask Storage ]
• EU Nuclear Waste Directive – [ Directive Text ]

Conclusion

Hungary’s decision to purchase U.S. nuclear fuel technology represents a pivotal moment in its energy narrative. By embracing a proven dry‑cask storage system, the country addresses pressing waste‑management challenges while aligning with stringent EU safety standards. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing nuclear safety and paves the way for Hungary’s continued growth as a nuclear power provider.