Hyundai Engineering Signs SMR Pacts With US Firms
Hyundai Engineering signed memoranda of understanding with two U.S. small modular reactor developers, Nano Nuclear Energy and Arc Clean Technology.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Nuclear
Hyundai Engineering signed memoranda of understanding with Nano Nuclear Energy and Arc Clean Technology, positioning it to participate in U.S. small modular reactor demonstration projects. The agreements cover engineering, procurement, and construction cooperation as well as new business opportunities.
Why it matters
The deals extend Hyundai Engineering's nuclear design work from Korea into the U.S. advanced reactor market, where developers are seeking experienced engineering partners. For readers following global nuclear energy supply, the agreements show how established design firms are being pulled into emerging reactor programs.
Hyundai Engineering reports 145 operational reactor design cases and 254 nuclear projects, with roughly 31% market share by value in KHNP design contracts over six years. Financial terms of the agreements and the schedule for U.S. demonstration construction have not been disclosed.
The players
Hyundai Engineering
A South Korean engineering and construction firm whose nuclear division has been active since 1985, with a record of completed reactor design and construction projects.
Nano Nuclear Energy
A Nasdaq-listed U.S. developer of micro modular reactors, including a high-temperature gas-cooled design using helium coolant.
Arc Clean Technology
A U.S. advanced reactor developer working on the ARC-100 sodium-cooled fast reactor and a planned demonstration plant at Idaho National Laboratory.
The details
Hyundai Engineering will support the KRONOS MMR project developed by Nano Nuclear Energy, a micro modular reactor using helium coolant that will supply heat to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. It will also collaborate with Arc Clean Technology on the ARC-100, a 100MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor, including a planned 200MWe demonstration plant at Idaho National Laboratory.
Timeline
1985: Hyundai Engineering established its nuclear division.
2007: Hyundai Engineering became the first domestic construction company to obtain comprehensive design qualification for nuclear Q-grade facilities.
November 1, 2026: Hyundai Engineering announced the memoranda of understanding with Nano Nuclear Energy and Arc Clean Technology.
Roadmap
Hyundai Engineering's agreements place Korean nuclear design expertise inside the U.S. small modular reactor demonstration pipeline centered on Idaho National Laboratory. The move follows a pattern in which established engineering firms partner with new reactor developers rather than building designs in-house.
For energy planners and utilities, the agreements signal that advanced reactor projects in the United States are adding experienced international engineering partners. Timelines for the demonstration plants and commercial availability of the designs remain unannounced.
The takeaway
Advanced reactor programs are increasingly drawing on established nuclear engineering firms abroad, a trend worth watching as demonstration projects move toward construction. Readers tracking small modular reactors should follow announced project schedules and contract awards.
Further reading
For broader context on reactor development, see Nuclear coverage.
