HD Hyundai, TerraPower Deepen Collaboration on Natrium Reactor Commercialization

HD Hyundai announced that its Executive Vice Chairman, Chung Kisun, met with TerraPower leadership, including chairman and founder Bill Gates, in Seoul to discuss progress on the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology. The meeting, held on Friday, highlighted ongoing cooperation between the two companies, with a focus on supply chain expansion and the deployment of Natrium reactors, a next-generation small modular reactor (SMR) design.

The discussions marked the first reunion between the companies’ leaders in five months, following their initial meeting in the United States last March. During that earlier engagement, HD Hyundai and TerraPower signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening the global manufacturing supply chain for Natrium reactor technology.

Natrium Reactors: A Next-Generation Energy Solution

At the heart of the collaboration is TerraPower’s Natrium reactor, a Generation IV sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) with integrated energy storage. Designed to deliver high thermal efficiency and enhanced safety, the Natrium system is widely regarded as one of the most advanced SMRs under development.

The technology stands out for its ability to generate approximately 40 percent less nuclear waste compared to conventional light-water reactors. Its innovative design also allows for better integration with renewable energy sources, as the reactor’s thermal storage system can adjust output depending on grid demand. This combination of safety, efficiency, and adaptability has positioned Natrium as a leading candidate for the future of clean energy.

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Building a Global Nuclear Supply Chain

Leveraging its deep expertise in heavy manufacturing and advanced engineering, HD Hyundai has committed to supporting TerraPower’s commercialization efforts. The company has already signed a contract to supply reactor vessels for TerraPower’s first Natrium reactor project.

The broader MOU signed in March provides a framework for further collaboration, enabling the two companies to explore ways of expanding the global supply chain for Natrium reactors. By doing so, they aim to accelerate international adoption of the technology and ensure that key reactor components can be manufactured and delivered at scale.

Executive Vice Chairman Chung Kisun emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership: “Next-generation SMR technology is a core solution for realizing sustainable future energy. Our partnership with TerraPower will serve as a turning point in building a global nuclear supply chain and advancing the transition in the energy paradigm.”

TerraPower’s Vision for Global Deployment

Founded by Bill Gates in 2006, TerraPower has emerged as a leading innovator in nuclear power, with projects spanning advanced reactor technologies and medical isotope production. Its Natrium project, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, is seen as a model for how nuclear energy can complement renewables and provide reliable, carbon-free electricity.

Chris Levesque, President and CEO of TerraPower, praised HD Hyundai’s role in advancing the initiative: “HD Hyundai is not only a premier, globally recognized shipbuilder but also a key supply chain partner with deep manufacturing expertise which will play an important role in the global nuclear industry. Through our collaboration, we aim to accelerate the commercialization of Natrium reactors and continue creating global opportunities in the market.”

By combining TerraPower’s technological innovation with HD Hyundai’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities, the partnership aims to shorten development timelines and improve cost competitiveness, making advanced nuclear technology more accessible worldwide.

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Expanding into Nuclear-Powered Vessels

In addition to supporting land-based nuclear projects, HD Hyundai is also exploring the application of advanced reactors in the maritime sector. The company is actively researching nuclear-powered vessels, including potential integration of molten salt reactor (MSR) technologies developed in collaboration with TerraPower.

Such technologies could transform the shipbuilding industry by reducing emissions from ocean transport—a sector that contributes significantly to global greenhouse gases. By harnessing advanced reactors for propulsion, HD Hyundai envisions a future where nuclear-powered ships could provide both environmental and economic benefits.

A Turning Point for Clean Energy

The renewed collaboration between HD Hyundai and TerraPower reflects a broader trend: the growing global momentum behind SMRs as a scalable and flexible energy solution. With nations seeking reliable pathways to decarbonization, advanced nuclear technologies like Natrium are increasingly viewed as essential complements to solar, wind, and other renewables.

By investing in global supply chains, reactor vessel production, and nuclear-powered shipping applications, HD Hyundai is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era in clean energy. Meanwhile, TerraPower’s continued innovation in advanced nuclear design provides the technological foundation for this transition.

The meeting in Seoul underscores both companies’ shared commitment to accelerating the commercialization of safe, efficient, and sustainable nuclear energy solutions—technologies that could play a defining role in the world’s transition to carbon neutrality.