Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deepen regional cooperation in nuclear energy, a move that could open new business opportunities for South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C).
According to industry sources on May 9, the three states signed the MOU during the Nuclear Energy Summit held in Utah on April 29. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in areas such as energy policy, infrastructure development, and nuclear innovation.
Under the agreement, the states committed to promoting innovation and private investment in energy, developing critical energy infrastructure, and working jointly to address regulatory and environmental challenges. They also pledged to secure federal support for regional energy priorities, enhance grid resilience and energy reliability, cultivate a skilled workforce for the growing energy sector, and ensure affordable, sustainable energy for local communities.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox emphasized that the American West would lead the way in driving energy abundance and national prosperity. “This agreement strengthens our shared commitment to delivering more affordable and reliable energy beyond state lines,” he said.
Separately, on April 28, Utah signed a long-term MOU with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a U.S. Department of Energy research center. The partnership will focus on advanced energy research, workforce development, technology deployment, and innovation in nuclear energy.
“This partnership will accelerate Utah’s efforts to become a national hub for nuclear energy,” said Governor Cox. INL Director John Wagner added that the collaboration would help establish a framework for science, technology, and workforce initiatives to secure Utah’s future as a competitive and reliable energy leader.
As Utah moves to expand its nuclear energy initiatives, attention is turning to the small modular reactor (SMR) project led by Holtec International, a U.S.-based nuclear energy company. On April 29, Holtec signed an agreement with the Utah state government and Hi Tech Solutions, a nuclear firm, to jointly advance SMR development in the region.
Hyundai E&C, one of Holtec’s SMR partners, is expected to take part in the project alongside other collaborators, including Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric. Industry observers note that Hyundai could benefit from Utah’s growing emphasis on nuclear technology and infrastructure.
