Hyundai Engineering Expands Small Modular Reactor Efforts
The firm signed new agreements to advance reactor projects in Illinois and at the Idaho National Laboratory.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Nuclear
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Hyundai Engineering has entered into memorandums of understanding with Nano Nuclear Energy and ARC Clean Technologies to advance next-generation reactor development. These partnerships focus on design and construction services for small modular reactor projects across the United States.
Why it matters
The company aims to expand its operational scope from design to comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction services for next-generation nuclear facilities. This move signals a strategic shift to secure a stronger foundation in the growing small modular reactor market.
Hyundai Engineering will support the 100MWe-class ARC-100 reactor and a planned 200MWe demonstration plant. The firm has a track record of 254 completed nuclear projects since 1985.
The players
Hyundai Engineering
An international engineering and construction firm that has specialized in nuclear facility projects since 1985.
Nano Nuclear Energy
A developer of portable, clean energy solutions focusing on micro-reactor technology and modular nuclear designs.
ARC Clean Technologies
An energy company developing advanced small modular reactor technology, including the 100MWe-class ARC-100.
Idaho National Laboratory
A federally funded research and development center that serves as the nation's lead laboratory for nuclear energy research.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
A public research university that is serving as the host site for the KRONOS MMR small modular reactor project.
The details
Hyundai Engineering will collaborate on the KRONOS MMR unit at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and assist with the ARC Clean Technologies demonstration plant at the Idaho National Laboratory. The company previously performed facility improvement work at the Delft University of Technology.
Timeline
Hyundai Engineering established its nuclear division in 1985.
The agreement with Nano Nuclear Energy was signed on October 23, 2026.
The agreement with ARC Clean Technologies was signed on October 27, 2026.
The Big Picture
The Idaho National Laboratory remains a central hub for U.S. nuclear innovation as private firms increasingly leverage its site for reactor demonstration projects. This story follows a pattern set by the laboratory's history of hosting public-private nuclear demonstrations.
Successful deployment of these modular reactors could provide a blueprint for decentralized, carbon-free electricity generation in the U.S. This shift may eventually lead to lower energy costs for industrial and academic campuses through more efficient power output.
The takeaway
These partnerships highlight the increasing reliance on established global engineering firms to scale emerging nuclear technologies. Readers should expect more infrastructure development as demonstration projects move toward commercial viability.
Further reading
For more information on current developments, visit the Nuclear section.
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Do you believe small modular nuclear reactors are a safe path for meeting national energy needs?
