US Energy Firms Reaffirm Cooperation with South Korean Counterparts Amid Growing Importance of Nuclear Energy

Strategic Insights -

The executives of major US energy firms, Westinghouse Electric Co. and TerraPower LLC, have reaffirmed their plans to expand cooperation with South Korean companies in the era of artificial intelligence and energy transition. The cooperation, which has been ongoing since the delivery of the APR 1400 nuclear reactor in the United Arab Emirates, is expected to continue in the Czech Republic. This partnership has been evolving, with Westinghouse's president of Asia markets, Gavin Liu, stating that the company will extend its cooperation into the technology and research and development area, driven by the AI initiative. TerraPower CEO, Christopher Levesque, has also shared his company's collaboration with Korean firms, including SK Group's chairman, Chey Tae-won, and Korean shipbuilder, HD Hyundai Co.

Key Takeaways:

  • Westinghouse and TerraPower have reaffirmed their plans to expand cooperation with South Korean companies in the nuclear energy sector.
  • The partnership between Westinghouse and KHNP has resolved an intellectual property dispute, paving the way for a KHNP-led consortium to sign a final contract with the Czech Republic to build two nuclear reactors.
  • The possibility of creating a joint venture between KHNP and Westinghouse is being discussed to target the recovering nuclear power plant market in the United States and Europe.
  • TerraPower has been cooperating with Korean firms, including SK Group, which jointly invested $250 million in TerraPower in 2022.
  • Westinghouse and TerraPower are working together to deliver the APR 1400 nuclear reactor in the Czech Republic, following its successful delivery in the UAE.
  • The cooperation between Westinghouse and KHNP has removed a major hurdle for the Korean consortium to sign a final contract with the Czech Republic to build two nuclear reactors for an estimated 26 trillion won ($18.2 billion).
  • The deal between Westinghouse and KHNP will also support the installation of two nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic.
  • Westinghouse has delivered the APR 1400 nuclear reactor in the UAE, marking a successful partnership with Korean companies.
  • TerraPower is collaborating with HD Hyundai Co. to fabricate reactor vessels for its first nuclear power plant in Wyoming.

Statistics:

  • Estimated cost of building two nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic: 26 trillion won (US$18.2 billion)
  • Westinghouse's partnership with KHNP led to the resolution of an intellectual property dispute in January.
  • TerraPower's collaboration with SK Group and SK Innovation Co. received a $250 million investment in 2022.
  • HD Hyundai Co. will fabricate reactor vessels for TerraPower's first nuclear power plant in Wyoming.

Sources:

  • Yonhap News Agency, "US energy firms reaffirm cooperation with S. Korean counterparts amid growing importance of nuclear energy" (31 Oct 2025)
  • Westinghouse Electric Co. (no specific source mentioned)
  • TerraPower LLC (no specific source mentioned)
  • Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (no specific source mentioned)
  • SK Group (no specific source mentioned)
  • HD Hyundai Co. (no specific source mentioned)