SEOUL, September 07 (AJP) - South Korea and the United States are set to include a plan to pursue the construction of eight nuclear power reactors in the United States in their bilateral strategic investment framework, a ruling-party lawmaker confirmed to AJP on Monday.
The lawmaker, who serves on the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee, said the plan to pursue eight reactors would be included in the framework governing the two countries’ U.S. investment projects.
The proposal is expected to be reflected in a memorandum of understanding that Seoul and Washington are expected to finalize as early as Sept. 18.
The reference to eight reactors is expected to set out a broad direction for bilateral nuclear cooperation rather than identify individual sites, reactor models or construction schedules, according to people familiar with the discussions.
If implemented, the nuclear projects could emerge as a major component of South Korea’s $200 billion commitment to invest in strategic industries in the United States.
The $200 billion program forms part of Seoul’s broader $350 billion U.S. investment pledge agreed with Washington last year. A separate $150 billion has been earmarked for shipbuilding cooperation.
The investment framework was established under a Korea-U.S. strategic investment MOU signed in November 2025 and later backed by legislation passed by South Korea’s National Assembly in March. The law requires investments to be commercially viable and consistent with South Korea’s national interests.
The South Korean government has been carrying out domestic administrative procedures for the first round of investments, including reviews of their commercial feasibility and potential risks.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources also briefed ruling-party lawmakers behind closed doors Monday on plans related to the first batch of U.S. investment projects.
Energy projects are emerging as a central part of the investment package. Along with nuclear power, Seoul and Washington have been discussing gas-fired power generation in Texas and liquefied natural gas development in Alaska.
A $22.3 billion gas-fired power project in Encinal, Texas, has been under consideration as the first project to receive funding through the investment framework. The proposed complex would have a generating capacity of about 6.3 gigawatts.
The nuclear plan could create significant opportunities for South Korean companies with experience in reactor equipment, engineering and construction as Washington seeks to expand domestic power generation amid rapidly rising electricity demand.
Details including the locations of the eight reactors, participating companies, reactor technologies and the division of financing between the two countries have yet to be finalized.
AJP Takeaways
- South Korea and the United States plan to include the construction of eight nuclear reactors in the U.S. in their first strategic investment agreement.
- A ruling-party lawmaker on the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee confirmed the eight-reactor plan to AJP.
- The nuclear projects could become a major pillar of Seoul’s $200 billion U.S. strategic investment program, alongside planned gas and energy projects.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
