The US, Japan, and South Korea have signed a memorandum of cooperation to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in third countries, with an initial focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

The US Department of State said the memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation among the three countries’ nuclear industries by promoting fleet-based SMR deployment models, reducing project risks, improving supply chains, simplifying licensing processes, and attracting private investment.

Under the framework, the three countries will identify Indo-Pacific nations interested in SMR technology and support the development of multiple reactors through standardised designs and streamlined contracting. 

The initiative will also encourage partnerships among US, Japanese, and South Korean nuclear companies.

The US has committed more than $10 million in new funding for the Department of State’s FIRST programme, which supports countries developing safe, secure, and reliable nuclear energy. 

The funding will help advance SMR projects and establish a regional training hub to develop the necessary workforce.

Separately, the US announced an industry partnership involving GE Vernova, Japan’s Hitachi, South Korea’s Samsung C&T, and Poland’s SGE to support deployment of the BWRX-300 SMR across Europe.

The 300 MW reactor design is being developed for commercial deployment, with the first unit under construction in Canada. 

The initiative is also linked to planned projects in Central and Eastern Europe and potential UK deployments.

The three-nation cooperation is aimed at strengthening energy security while maintaining high standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.