Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Local governments compete to host Korea's first SMR, expect trillions of won in economic value

Local governments are competing to host Korea’s first small modular reactor (SMR) amid growing expectations that the market will expand to an astronomical scale due to generous financial support and incentives.

2026-04-25

DL E&C signs $10 million deal with U.S.-based X-energy to develop small modular reactor design

DL E&C will develop a standardized design for small modular reactors (SMRs) for U.S. nuclear energy provider X-energy in a $10 million deal, the Korean construction firm said Wednesday.

2026-03-25

Samsung C&T signs MOU with GE-Hitachi JV for SMR projects

Samsung C&T, the construction unit of Samsung Group, said Thursday it has signed an initial agreement with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) to join their small modular reactor (SMR) projects.

2025-10-09

Bill Gates explores business ties with SK, Samsung and HD Hyundai

Bill Gates met with Korean business leaders to discuss collaboration in nuclear energy, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.

2025-08-22

Lee gov't reignites debate over nuclear's role in 'pragmatic' energy policy with SMR push

Korea is now locked in a heated debate over the government’s push to expand small module reactors, as the Lee Jae Myung administration champions what it calls a “pragmatic” energy policy.

2025-06-23

KHNP chief pursues nuclear energy partnerships with African nations

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) president and CEO Whang Joo-ho stressed the importance of Korea-Africa partnership in nuclear energy during a keynote speech he delivered at the Africa Nuclear Business Platform (NBP) 2025 held in Morocco.

2025-04-24

Hyundai E&C inks deal with Holtec to build 300-megawatt SMRs in Michigan

Hyundai Engineering & Construction will break ground on a two 300-megawatt small modular reactors in Michigan under a deal with Holtec International.

2025-02-26

Korea to plan to build four SMRs

Korea will include a plan to build four small modular reactors (SMRs) in the upcoming basic energy plan to be announced later this year, a senior presidential aide said Sunday.

2024-10-20

Korea's SMR sector losing steam as blanket regulations pose hurdle

A lack of regulations specific to small modular reactors means the process is the same as that of conventional nuclear reactors, threatening development and progress.

2024-10-19

Yoon outlines plan to make North Gyeongsang a hub for small modular reactors

President Yoon Suk Yeol announced plans to transform North Gyeongsang into a hub for small modular reactors (SMRs) and clean hydrogen.

2024-06-20