U.S. Announces SMR Deployment Plan with South Korea and Japan

On September 23, 2026, the United States announced a strategic implementation plan in partnership with South Korea and Japan to deploy Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in third countries. This initiative aims to bolster energy security amid rising global energy demands.

The announcement was made during the U.N. General Assembly in New York, following a memorandum of cooperation signed by the foreign ministers of the three nations in July. The U.S. State Department emphasized that this plan supports mutual security interests and sets an ambitious agenda for SMR deployment.

The initiative also includes a key industry collaboration involving companies from South Korea, the U.S., Japan, and Poland, aimed at advancing the deployment of the BWRX-300 SMR across Europe. This reactor, developed by GE Vernova and Hitachi, is expected to provide reliable nuclear power while promoting significant investments in the sector.

The U.S. government highlighted the importance of leveraging the complementary industrial strengths of these nations to enhance nuclear safety and security standards. This trilateral cooperation reflects a commitment to addressing energy challenges and fostering technological advancements in nuclear energy.