A conference aimed at exploring export opportunities for South Korean nuclear companies in the U.S. nuclear power sector and the global small modular reactor (SMR) market is taking place in Gyeongju. The event features participation from 55 foreign nuclear firms, including those from the U.S. and France, alongside 70 domestic small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that the '2026 International Nuclear Export and Safety Conference (NES 2026)' will be held from October 27 to 29 at the Gyeongju HICO Convention Center. Sponsored by the ministry and co-hosted by the Korea Nuclear Export Industry Association and the Gyeongju HICO Convention Center, this marks the third iteration of the event.
This year's conference will focus on ways for South Korean companies to participate in U.S. nuclear construction projects, particularly following the announcement of the 'Korea-U.S. Nuclear Framework' on October 1. Discussions will center on subsequent business opportunities related to the construction of eight large nuclear reactors in the U.S. and strategies for domestic equipment manufacturers to enter the global nuclear supply chain.
On the morning of October 27, a briefing on U.S. nuclear construction projects will be held, outlining the procurement system in the U.S. nuclear market and opportunities for domestic companies. The final day of the event, October 29, will feature presentations on participation opportunities in the U.S. large nuclear supply chain, including potential collaborations with global SMR developers such as X-energy and TerraPower.
A business-to-business (B2B) export consultation session to support the overseas expansion of domestic nuclear firms will take place over two days starting October 27. This session will involve 55 foreign buyers and 70 domestic small and medium-sized enterprises. Notable foreign buyers include TerraPower from the U.S., EDF and Framatome from France, AtkinsRéalis from Canada, and PVN from Vietnam.
The consultations will be organized based on pre-surveyed needs of the companies, facilitating one-on-one meetings. This approach aims to enhance the likelihood of actual export contracts and collaborative projects, providing domestic small and medium-sized nuclear firms with procurement information and direct contact with potential customers.
An exhibition showcasing the technologies and products of nuclear companies will also be held, featuring 77 domestic and international organizations with 182 exhibition booths. The exhibition will include a Team Korea pavilion with four companies, an SMR pavilion with ten companies, and a pavilion for companies taking their first steps in exports.
Eighteen small and medium-sized enterprises in the early stages of entering overseas markets will present their products and technologies in the export first steps pavilion. This initiative aims to nurture 100 small and medium-sized enterprises with export capabilities by next year, supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Nuclear Export Industry Association.
During the event, conferences will be held on topics such as the growing demand for nuclear power due to artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, the future of SMRs, and experiences in entering overseas nuclear supply chains.
In his opening remarks, Kang Gam-chan, Director of the Trade and Investment Bureau at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, "The expansion of nuclear demand driven by AI and climate response, along with global export opportunities under the 'Korea-U.S. Nuclear Framework,' marks the beginning of a new era of large nuclear exports that we have not experienced before. Nuclear exports will be a 100-year business that will secure our country's future, and the government and our industry will work together as Team Korea to seize the global nuclear supply chain."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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