en.Wedoany.com Reported - Hyundai Engineering & Construction has signed a basic cooperation agreement with First American Nuclear (FANCO), a U.S. developer of small modular nuclear reactors, for the next-generation SMR project "EAGL-1." The signing took place in New York on the 13th local time, with initial cooperation focusing on the design, construction review, and modularization strategy of this reactor type.

FANCO is the developer of EAGL-1, a liquid metal fast reactor and the only U.S. reactor design using liquid lead-bismuth alloy as a coolant. FANCO has already submitted a regulatory engagement plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and is advancing commercialization groundwork.

EAGL-1 is a next-generation SMR with approximately 240 MWe per unit, based on a modular design. When built in a cluster of six reactors, it can supply power to about 1.2 million households. The reactor's spent fuel can be recycled, reducing long-lived radioactive waste by over 95%. Through bridging power solutions, the project enables a gradual transition from natural gas power generation to nuclear power, enhancing deployment flexibility.

Under the agreement, initial cooperation covers the design of support components and auxiliary systems for the EAGL-1 nuclear power plant, bridging power solution support, constructability review, and modularization strategy. Future efforts will explore specific plans for Hyundai Engineering & Construction to serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction partner for the project.

FANCO has announced plans to build a nuclear energy park in Indiana, linking nuclear power plant manufacturing facilities with the energy park to construct a cluster of next-generation nuclear power plants. Hyundai Engineering & Construction expects the cooperation to continue expanding.

A Hyundai Engineering & Construction official stated that this agreement provides an opportunity to participate from the initial design review of the U.S. next-generation SMR project to EPC execution, and expands the company's nuclear reactor cooperation network in the U.S., helping to strengthen its position in the growing U.S. SMR market.