South Korea Will Fund 10.2 GW U.S. Nuclear Program
The proposed $120 billion investment includes a mix of Westinghouse AP1000 and Korean APR1400 reactor technology.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Nuclear
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South Korea is planning an eight-reactor nuclear expansion in the United States, targeting a total of 10.2 GW of new generating capacity. This initiative represents 60% of a broader $200 billion strategic investment pool currently under discussion.
Why it matters
This planned capital infusion aims to bolster U.S. energy infrastructure through a collaborative framework negotiated alongside trade discussions. The program leverages proven reactor designs to scale domestic nuclear power capacity.
The framework specifies the deployment of six Westinghouse AP1000 reactors and two South Korean APR1400 reactors, with a potential 15% equity stake in Westinghouse for South Korean interests. These designs build on existing precedents, such as the AP1000 units at Georgia's Vogtle station and the APR1400 units exported to the United Arab Emirates.
The players
Westinghouse
A nuclear power company specializing in the AP1000 reactor design and associated plant maintenance.
South Korea
A nation currently expanding its nuclear export market through the APR1400 reactor technology.
The details
The program utilizes a phased construction model to manage the installation of its eight reactors across potential sites including Texas, South Carolina, and Florida. The AP1000 — a pressurized water reactor design using passive safety systems that rely on natural circulation—and the APR1400—a pressurized water reactor optimized for high power output—must navigate rigorous U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing requirements before site development can proceed.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The investment package was formally reported.
The Tech Race
This effort builds upon the U.S.-South Korea strategic investment arrangement to accelerate nuclear energy development. It positions the collaboration as a direct rival to other international large-scale nuclear deployment programs currently vying for market dominance.
This program represents a long-term utility-scale infrastructure project that will not affect consumer electricity access in the near term. Development depends on successfully navigating U.S. licensing requirements and finalizing the proposed equity arrangements.
The takeaway
The trajectory of this nuclear expansion depends on how quickly the phased construction schedule can progress through federal licensing. Watch for further details regarding the final equity stake in Westinghouse as the broader $200 billion investment pool moves from discussion to implementation.
Further reading
For more on the current technical and regulatory landscape, explore Nuclear.
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