Framatome to Power Hungary’s Nuclear Future with Fuel Supply Deal
Framatome secures a long-term contract to supply nuclear fuel for Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant, enhancing Europe’s energy security and reducing dependence on Russian supplies.
Editorial Team (ET)July 11, 2025
France’s Framatome has solidified its role in Europe's nuclear energy landscape by signing a landmark contract to supply fuel for Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant. The agreement, set to begin in 2027, highlights a strategic move by Hungary to diversify its nuclear fuel sources and strengthen its energy independence.
A Strategic Partnership: Hungary and Framatome
The long-term fuel supply contract is rooted in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in September 2023 between Hungary’s Ministry of Energy and Framatome. This MoU builds on a robust, long-standing collaboration between the two entities, focusing on fuel supply, R&D, new technologies, and education in the nuclear sector. This new agreement will supply fuel to the four VVER-440 reactors at Paks, a key part of Hungary’s energy infrastructure.
Bernard Fontana, CEO of Framatome, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating, "Framatome is strongly committed to supporting Hungary's nuclear industry and energy policy, and we are pleased to contribute to the diversification of the fuel supply for Paks."
The Importance of Diversifying Nuclear Fuel Supplies
In recent years, the geopolitical landscape, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has prompted European nations to reassess their reliance on Russian-supplied nuclear fuel. Hungary is not alone in seeking alternative sources for its nuclear power plants. Several EU nations operate Soviet-era VVER reactors, historically fueled by Russian suppliers, which leaves them vulnerable to political tensions. Framatome’s agreement with Hungary reflects a broader trend of moving away from reliance on Russian energy sources.
Csaba Lantos, Hungary’s Minister of Energy, highlighted the importance of the Paks nuclear plant in the country’s energy strategy. "The nuclear power plant, which provides half of the domestic electricity production, plays an indispensable role in ensuring the security of electricity supply to Hungarian families and enterprises," he said.
Framatome’s Role in Europe’s Nuclear Energy
Framatome’s contract with Hungary is part of a wider European strategy to enhance nuclear fuel security. The company is implementing a “dual-track approach” to fuel supply for VVER reactors. In the short term, it will manufacture fuel identical to the design currently in use, ensuring continuity for Hungary’s reactors. In parallel, Framatome is developing a fully European sovereign fuel solution, aiming to supply VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactors across the EU without relying on Russian components or designs.
This initiative aligns with the EU’s broader goals of energy independence and security. Framatome is already leading the SAVE (Safe and Alternative VVER European) project, supported by a EUR10 million contribution from the EU. The project involves 17 stakeholders, including utility companies operating VVER reactors, and focuses on developing alternative European fuel designs.
Paks Nuclear Power Plant: A Pillar of Hungary’s Energy Security
The Paks nuclear power plant is central to Hungary’s energy policy, supplying 36% of the country’s electricity consumption. With the operating life of the plant’s reactors extended, ensuring a stable and diversified fuel supply is crucial to maintaining predictable and affordable energy for Hungary’s households and businesses.
Péter Horvath, CEO of MVM Paks NPP, underscored the significance of this development: "The strategic objectives of the MVM Group cannot be achieved without the extension of the operating time of the Paks nuclear power plant."
A Broader European Context: Reducing Reliance on Russian Energy
Hungary’s deal with Framatome is part of a larger European effort to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies. Nineteen VVER reactors are currently operating across the EU, including in Bulgaria, Finland, and Slovakia. The shift toward alternative fuel suppliers like Framatome and Westinghouse is crucial for enhancing Europe’s energy security amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Framatome is uniquely positioned to support Europe’s transition away from Russian nuclear fuel. As Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president of Framatome’s Fuel Business Unit, pointed out, "Framatome is the only fuel supplier able to guarantee a sovereign European solution, with a fully European design, manufacturing, and component supply chain."
Conclusion
Framatome’s contract with Hungary is a critical step in ensuring Europe’s nuclear fuel security and reducing reliance on Russian energy. As Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant continues to provide half of the country’s electricity, this agreement ensures a stable, diversified fuel supply that will support Hungary’s energy sovereignty and climate goals for decades to come. With Framatome leading the charge in developing European-designed fuel solutions, Europe’s nuclear energy future looks increasingly secure and sustainable.
