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U.S. targets small modular reactors as Southeast Asia power demand rises
The U.S., Japan, and South Korea plan to accelerate SMR deployment in third countries, initially across the Indo-Pacific, following a July 7 memorandum of understanding.
The U.S. is prioritizing cooperation on small modular nuclear reactors as a part of its engagement with Southeast Asia, where electricity demand is expected to keep climbing, OilPrice reports. Speaking after Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN Kevin Kim said the administration is in “deep discussions” with several governments in the region about the technology.
The renewed push comes after a memorandum of understanding signed by the U.S., Japan, and South Korea at the NATO summit on July 7. Under that agreement, the three countries will work together to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors in third countries, initially across the Indo-Pacific.
Kim declined to provide specifics on potential deals, but said cooperation on SMRs is an “absolute priority” for the administration and that the reactors would play a “critical role” in meeting future energy demand, according to OilPrice. The comments align with a broader U.S. strategy for Southeast Asia that includes LNG, grid technologies, and small modular reactors.
The U.S. has also outlined support for energy infrastructure, including a $1.5 billion investment platform announced in early June to back build-out of energy security infrastructure in India and Southeast Asia, OilPrice notes. The outlet also says the U.S. announced additional energy initiatives around Rubio’s ASEAN meetings, including a $60 million grant aimed at enabling energy sector investment.