Summary
- The United States, Japan and South Korea have signed a new cooperation agreement to accelerate the global deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), with an initial focus on countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
- According to the US State Department, the memorandum of cooperation aims to strengthen energy security, support partner countries, and expand access to advanced nuclear technology.
- The agreement comes as global powers seek new energy solutions amid rising security concerns and growing demand for stable electricity supplies.
The United States, Japan and South Korea have signed a new cooperation agreement to accelerate the global deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), with an initial focus on countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye, creating a framework for trilateral collaboration in the civil nuclear energy sector.
According to the US State Department, the memorandum of cooperation aims to strengthen energy security, support partner countries, and expand access to advanced nuclear technology.
The three countries will encourage cooperation between their nuclear industries to reduce project risks, improve supply chains, attract private investment, and simplify regulatory processes for SMR projects.
Washington said the partnership will help provide safer and more competitive energy solutions while maintaining strict standards for nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.
The United States has also committed funding through its programme supporting the responsible use of small modular reactor technology in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the signing ceremony, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the importance of energy security, especially after disruptions to global energy supplies during the US-Iran conflict.
Rubio said small modular reactors could become a major part of the future energy landscape by offering reliable, efficient, and cost-effective power generation.
Meanwhile, major companies including GE Vernova, Hitachi, and Samsung C&T are working to support the deployment of advanced SMR technology.
The agreement comes as global powers seek new energy solutions amid rising security concerns and growing demand for stable electricity supplies. The NATO summit in Ankara is also focusing on defence cooperation, military modernisation, and support for Ukraine.
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