BrazilAFRY acquires nuclear safety consulting firms in Hungary
Global engineering consultancy AFRY has acquired two nuclear safety consulting companies in Hungary: SOM System and TTSA Mérnökiroda.
The deals will see a team of around 20 staff in Budapest and Paks join AFRY’s Hungarian practice, which operates out of Budapest. They will become part of the Energy practice, which houses the firm’s nuclear offerings.
According to József Dénes, Head of Nuclear at AFRY, the bolt-ons are in line with the company’s ambition to enhance its capabilities in the nuclear sector and notably extend its domestic services to now cover the entire life cycle of plants.
The nuclear sector is a key area of focus for AFRY. Since its inception more than a century ago, the Swedish-headquartered group (19,000 staff) has according to its own records “successfully delivered thousands of projects internationally” in the field. These projects span topics such as business case studies, designing and overseeing new builds, enhancing facility operations, decommissioning, and treating radioactive waste.
“The additions of SOM System and TTSA Mérnökiroda will increase our footprint in the nuclear sector both in Hungary and across Europe. Their addition will ensure we are even better equipped to serve our customers throughout the lifespan of nuclear power plants,” Dénes said.
While Europe is far from having a unified view on nuclear energy, the energy type is undergoing a renaissance in some countries, such as France and Italy. Hungary has long been in favour of nuclear energy, with the segment currently generating about half of the country’s electricity. The Hungarian Parliament has meanwhile expressed overwhelming support for building two new power reactors in the coming years.
“We are excited to be joining AFRY, a company with Nordic roots and a strong Hungarian presence,” said Miklós Ördögh, Owner of SOM. “This provides us with the opportunity to actively participate in the advancement of the Hungarian nuclear energy sector and the efficient management of radioactive waste, two vital aspects for lifetime expansions and the establishment of new plants.”
