Bill Gates Visit Puts Korean Companies at the Center of TerraPower’s SMR Supply Chain

Bill Gates' recent visit to South Korea has brought attention to the nation's emerging role in the global small modular reactor (SMR) industry. During his stay, Gates met with senior government officials and business leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik, Prime Minister Han Sung-sook, and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan. This visit marks a significant shift for TerraPower, as the company has now secured a construction permit for its first commercial-scale advanced reactor in the United States.

The visit has led to concrete partnerships between Korean companies and TerraPower. SK Innovation, a major shareholder in TerraPower, has agreed to establish key terms for a global joint business. Additionally, SK Innovation, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and TerraPower signed an agreement covering the demonstration and commercialization of TerraPower's sodium-cooled fast reactor-based fourth-generation SMR technology.

HD Hyundai, a leading Korean company, is expanding its role in TerraPower's Natrium reactor project, with plans to produce up to three reactor vessels annually. Doosan Enerbility, another Korean power-equipment manufacturer, has signed a contract to manufacture key components for TerraPower's sodium reactor, signaling a move from design and manufacturability reviews into actual equipment production.

These partnerships are crucial as TerraPower moves from reactor design to construction, a significant milestone for potential suppliers. Korea, which has a well-established nuclear power supply chain, sees an opportunity to adapt its industrial base to the emerging SMR market. The government is encouraging both large and small Korean companies to participate in SMR projects, potentially expanding the economic impact of SMR exports beyond the country's largest industrial groups.