ARC Clean Technology and KHNP Strengthen Partnership to Advance Fourth-Generation SMR Deployment

Nuclear energy technology leaders ARC Clean Technology and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) have strengthened their strategic partnership to advance fourth-generation small modular reactor deployment. During a recent meeting in Seoul, the companies discussed collaboration opportunities for the ARC-100, an innovative 100-megawatt sodium-cooled fast reactor designed for electricity generation and industrial heat applications. The ARC-100 represents a significant technological advancement in nuclear energy, with ongoing development in partnership with New Brunswick Power at the Point Lepreau site.

In 2023, NB Power submitted a License to Prepare Site application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for a commercial demonstration of the reactor, signaling progress toward practical implementation. A trilateral collaboration agreement signed last year established a framework for joint work on commissioning, operations, maintenance, and project management of ARC units. The recent meeting in Seoul further solidified this partnership, emphasizing a mutual commitment to accelerating SMR deployment and enhancing long-term cooperation.

KHNP's CEO, Dr. Jooho Whang, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration, stating that the ARC-100 represents one of the most advanced technologies approaching commercialization among fourth-generation SMRs. The partnership aims to secure future growth drivers for the nuclear industry and build a robust global market presence. Donald Wolf, CEO of ARC Clean Technology, emphasized the complementary nature of the partnership, noting KHNP's extensive expertise in nuclear operations and construction.

The collaboration positions both organizations to explore international opportunities for advanced nuclear technology deployment. The ARC-100's modular design offers a promising solution for carbon-free power generation, with potential applications in both electricity production and industrial sectors. As a participant in the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, ARC Clean Technology is at the forefront of innovative nuclear energy development. This collaboration represents a significant step toward advancing sustainable, low-carbon energy technologies, potentially reshaping global approaches to clean energy production and industrial heat generation.