Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. has achieved a significant milestone by securing the first large-scale nuclear power project contract awarded to a South Korean firm in the United States. This development, announced on October 26, positions the company to enhance its foothold in the expanding American nuclear sector.
Recently, the company signed a preliminary design agreement with Fermi America, a U.S. energy developer, to construct four commercial nuclear reactors at a proposed “Complex Energy and AI Campus” located near Amarillo, Texas. This facility is anticipated to be the largest privately developed power network globally.
Fermi America plans to create an 11-gigawatt integrated energy system that will feature a combination of AP1000 nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, natural gas plants, solar energy, and battery storage solutions. The generated electricity is intended to power an adjacent hyperscale data center tailored for artificial intelligence applications, according to statements made by Hyundai.
Under the terms of the contract, Hyundai will undertake initial design work for the four reactors, which includes assessments of site layout, cooling systems, and planning for costs and schedules. Currently, the project is undergoing review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, while the South Korean builder is preparing for negotiations concerning full engineering, procurement, and construction, aiming for a final contract by mid-2025.
Company representatives described this agreement as a breakthrough for South Korea”s efforts to enhance energy cooperation with the United States, stating, “This agreement confirms Hyundai”s credibility as a trusted nuclear partner in the global energy market. We plan to deepen practical collaboration based on the strong energy partnership between our two countries.”
This project highlights the increasing demand for low-carbon power sources in the U.S., particularly as data centers and artificial intelligence technologies significantly elevate electricity consumption.
