SMR Developers Partner With Construction Giants
Modular reactor firms are securing engineering partnerships and equity to scale nuclear infrastructure projects across the U.S.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Construction
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Small modular reactor (SMR) developers are forming strategic partnerships with major construction firms to manage site operations, procurement, and labor. These collaborations often include equity investments to align long-term interests as developers seek to meet surging power demand.
Why it matters
Developers require specialized external expertise to manage large-scale facility projects and identify engineering or procurement challenges early in the project lifecycle. These partnerships aim to reduce costs and standardize construction processes across multiple future deployments.
Samsung C&T committed up to $100 million in investment and services to Kairos Power. TerraPower plans to build up to 8 Natrium plants, with its Kemmerer site targeting a capacity of 345 MW.
The players
TerraPower
This nuclear innovation company is developing the Natrium reactor technology designed to provide flexible and carbon-free energy.
Kairos Power
This company specializes in advanced reactor technology using fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature cooling systems.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction
This major global firm provides comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction services for large infrastructure projects.
Samsung C&T
This global corporation manages diverse operations in engineering, construction, and trade across various international industrial sectors.
Fluor
This multinational engineering and construction firm provides professional services to the energy, chemicals, and power industries.
The details
Companies such as Holtec, X-energy, Oklo, and Kairos Power have selected specialized firms like Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Fluor, Kiewit, and Barnard Construction to execute their nuclear projects. These developers aim to translate lessons learned from early demonstration sites into repeatable construction models for future facilities.
Timeline
August 2026: TerraPower selects Hyundai Engineering & Construction as its EPC contractor.
August 2026: Samsung, Kairos, and Barnard sign a trilateral memorandum of understanding.
September 2026: Samsung C&T agrees to a $100 million investment in Kairos Power.
2030: Target completion date for the Hermes 2 and Kemmerer demonstration plants.
Market Landscape
These construction partnerships represent a strategic shift to industrialize nuclear deployment in response to the surging national data center power demand. By embedding construction expertise early, developers are positioning themselves to outpace rivals in the race to deliver scalable, reliable baseload power.
These infrastructure developments aim to ensure grid stability and meet the energy needs of expanding technology hubs. While these projects target large-scale capacity, successful deployments could eventually lower power costs for regional energy consumers.
The takeaway
The move toward equity-backed construction partnerships indicates a maturing market that prioritizes project reliability and scale. Consumers should watch for how these collaborative models influence the speed and cost-effectiveness of new nuclear plant commissioning by 2030.
Further reading
For broader context on current industry trends, visit the United States Construction section.
Live Poll
Do you believe small modular nuclear reactors are a viable solution for future national energy needs?
