Will U.S. Investment Include 'Eight Nuclear Reactors in the U.S.'? Final MOU May Be Signed as Early as the 18th

Industry Ministry Reports on Progress of U.S. Investment Project at Closed Ruling Party Meeting on September 7
"Promoting Construction of Eight Nuclear Power Plants" Likely to Be Included in Overall Framework

The government is considering building eight nuclear power plants in the United States as part of its investment project with the U.S. If negotiations between the two countries are wrapped up, the final signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) could take place as early as September 18, 2026.

According to the National Assembly and relevant ministries on September 7, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported the current status of the U.S.-related investment project to lawmakers of the ruling party at a closed consultation with party officials held at the National Assembly that day.

Exterior view of Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant.

At the meeting, the Ministry explained that “the U.S. proposed last month that the U.S.-targeted investment fund be used for nuclear power plant construction in the United States under a ‘comprehensive framework,’ and we are reviewing this proposal.” It is understood that this investment agreement is likely to include the broad direction of “promoting the construction of eight nuclear reactors.” However, the specific locations and scale have not been made public.

Korea has already agreed to invest $350 billion in the United States through trade negotiations. Of this, Korea is pursuing a $200 billion strategic investment and allocating $150 billion as shipbuilding cooperation funds. The cost of building a large nuclear power plant amounts to $15 billion (about 20 trillion won) per unit. If all eight plants are constructed, the total would reach $120 billion, which would account for a significant portion of the $200 billion investment in the U.S.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is taking a cautious stance. In a press explanation released on September 7, the Ministry stated, “Korea and the U.S. are holding various consultations to identify nuclear power projects for investment in the United States, but no specific details have been finalized yet.”

The domestic procedures to confirm the U.S. investment are practically entering their final stage. At the end of last month, the Ministry’s Project Management Committee—chaired by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy—reviewed the commercial viability and strategic and legal risk factors of candidate projects for U.S. investment, including nuclear power plants. It is expected that both countries will proceed with signing an agreement that includes these details on September 18, 2026.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.