Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. has achieved a significant milestone by securing the first large-scale nuclear power project contract in the United States awarded to a South Korean firm. This development, announced on October 26, positions the company to enhance its foothold in the burgeoning U.S. nuclear market.
Recently, Hyundai signed a preliminary design agreement with Fermi America, a U.S.-based energy developer, to construct four commercial nuclear reactors at a planned “Complex Energy and AI Campus” located near Amarillo, Texas. This facility is envisioned to be the largest privately developed power network globally.
The proposed project by Fermi America includes the establishment of an 11-gigawatt integrated energy system. This system aims to combine AP1000 nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, gas-fired plants, solar energy, and battery storage. The generated electricity is intended to support a nearby hyperscale data center designed to manage artificial intelligence applications, as detailed by Hyundai.
Under the terms of the contract, Hyundai will undertake initial design tasks for the four reactors, which encompass site layout, evaluation of the cooling system, and planning related to cost and scheduling. Currently, the project is undergoing examination by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, while Hyundai prepares for comprehensive negotiations concerning engineering, procurement, and construction, with a goal of finalizing the contract by mid-2025.
Company officials regard this agreement as a pivotal advancement in South Korea”s efforts to bolster energy cooperation with the United States. A representative from Hyundai stated, “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 initiative highlights the increasing demand in the United States for low-carbon energy sources, driven by the rising electricity consumption associated with data centers and artificial intelligence technologies.
