EGAT and KHNP strengthen collaboration on SMR development to support Thailand's clean energy goals

Thailand's Electricity Generating Authority (EGAT) is strategically positioning itself for a low-carbon energy transition by forging a development partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. This collaboration, announced on 2026-03-16, focuses on knowledge exchange regarding SMR safety and project development, laying crucial groundwork for future joint initiatives in Thailand's nuclear energy sector. The expected Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2025 indicates a phased approach, allowing EGAT to absorb KHNP's extensive nuclear expertise before committing to specific project development. While no financial value is disclosed, the partnership's early-stage, knowledge-centric structure suggests a long-term strategic alignment rather than an immediate capital deployment. For KHNP, a South Korean state-owned utility with over 27 GW of installed capacity primarily in nuclear, this partnership in Bangkok, Thailand, offers a clear avenue to export its SMR development capabilities and expand its international footprint. EGAT, as Thailand's state-owned utility responsible for power generation and transmission with approximately 16 GW of diverse capacity, gains direct access to a seasoned nuclear operator's track record and technical know-how. This move by EGAT to explore SMRs with KHNP underscores a proactive strategy by Thailand to diversify its energy mix and achieve its clean energy goals, leveraging established international expertise for a nascent domestic nuclear program.