In brief
Hyundai Engineering & Construction entered a five‑year partnership with First American Nuclear Co. to provide engineering and construction support for the EAGL‑1 small‑modular reactor, which uses a lead‑bismuth coolant and is designed to generate 240 megawatts of electricity. The deal, signed in Seoul, expands a prior framework agreement and includes regulatory engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A Hyundai executive highlighted the collaboration’s role in advancing commercialization of the technology and strengthening U.S. SMR market presence.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction (E&C) has formalized a five‑year master service agreement with the U.S. developer First American Nuclear Co. (FANCO) to provide engineering and construction support for FANCO’s next‑generation small‑modular reactor, the EAGL‑1, which employs a lead‑bismuth coolant system.
The signing took place in Seoul on Friday, marking a step forward in a partnership that began with a framework agreement in July, Hyundai E&C’s construction arm said in a statement released by the company.
Under the new agreement, Hyundai E&C will deliver technical support for FANCO’s EAGL‑1 project, including reviews of construction feasibility, engineering and design consultations, and advice on construction methods.
The EAGL‑1 is a small‑modular reactor (SMR) designed to generate approximately 240 megawatts of electricity. SMRs are defined as compact nuclear units that can be manufactured off‑site and assembled on a utility‑scale site, offering flexibility and lower upfront capital costs compared to traditional large reactors. FANCO’s unit is distinguished by its use of a lead‑bismuth coolant, a heavy‑metal mixture that allows the reactor to operate at higher temperatures with improved heat transfer efficiency.
A lead‑bismuth coolant is a dense alloy that cools the reactor core by absorbing heat at high temperatures. Unlike conventional water‑based cooling systems, this metal mix reduces the risk of a loss‑of‑cooling accident and enables the reactor to achieve higher thermal efficiencies, translating to greater power output per unit mass of fuel.
FANCO has reportedly submitted a regulatory engagement plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, underscoring its intent to bring the EAGL‑1 to commercial deployment. The Korean construction firm stated that the partnership will help lay the groundwork for regulatory approval and other market‑entry requirements.
A Hyundai E&C official said that the collaboration would accelerate the EAGL‑1’s commercialization and reinforce the company's position within the U.S. SMR market.
Through this agreement with FANCO, we will drive the commercialization of the EAGL‑1 project and further strengthen our leading position in the U.S. SMR market.
Hyundai’s involvement is expected to accelerate the project’s progress, providing the technical input and construction expertise necessary for a seamless rollout. The partnership also hints at a broader strategy by the Korean engineering giant to diversify its portfolio into high‑technology nuclear infrastructure.
