Samsung C&T Expands SMR Push Into Advanced Reactor Technologies

Samsung C&T is broadening its small modular reactor (SMR) business by partnering with U.S. advanced nuclear developer Kairos Power. The two companies signed a strategic agreement on September 22, which is set to be finalized on September 23 during Climate Week NYC in New York. Samsung C&T plans to invest around $70 million in Kairos Power and join its Hermes demonstration reactor project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

This collaboration aims to cover the project from demonstration through potential commercial deployment. Unlike traditional light-water reactors, Kairos Power's technology uses molten salt as a coolant, allowing reactors to operate at lower pressure while maintaining high temperatures. This could expand the use of nuclear-generated heat beyond electricity generation, such as for industrial heat supply and hydrogen production.

The Hermes project aims for commercial operation by 2031 and is significant as the first non-light-water reactor project in decades to receive a construction permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Samsung C&T will handle design and constructability reviews for the demonstration reactor and could secure priority rights to participate as an EPC contractor in future commercial reactors in the U.S.

This partnership expands Samsung C&T's existing SMR portfolio, which previously focused on light-water reactor technologies and European markets. The SMR market is shifting from development to demonstration and commercial deployment, making securing technology partnerships and project execution capabilities crucial. Samsung C&T and Kairos Power also plan to explore joint opportunities in South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Lee Chang-wook, Samsung C&T's executive vice president, sees the agreement as a milestone in pursuing leadership in the next-generation nuclear market, while Kairos Power CEO Mike Laufer sees a combined strength in technology and execution to accelerate advanced nuclear power commercialization.