EGAT and KHNP Strengthen Collaboration on SMR Development to Support Thailand’s Clean Energy Goals

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) recently conducted the “KHNP–EGAT SMR Technical Seminar” in Bangkok, reinforcing cooperation on the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to support Thailand’s transition toward stable and low-carbon energy.

The seminar was jointly opened by Siriwat Jedsri, Deputy Governor for Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy at EGAT, and Soonkil Jung, General Manager of Overseas SMR Projects at KHNP. The event brought together nuclear energy specialists from Thailand and South Korea to exchange technical knowledge on SMR project development.

Discussions during the seminar focused on SMR technologies, safety frameworks, project development experience, and international best practices. The event was held at the Grand Center Point Terminal 21 Hotel in Bangkok in early March.

Speaking at the seminar, Siriwat Jedsri noted that as the global energy landscape evolves with a stronger emphasis on energy security and carbon reduction, SMR technology offers a promising pathway for Thailand’s clean energy transition. He highlighted that SMRs provide reliable, low-carbon electricity while adhering to international safety standards.

Jedsri further emphasized that collaboration with KHNP would help build a strong foundation for technology development, institutional readiness, and human resource capacity in Thailand’s energy sector.

Soonkil Jung stated that SMR technology aligns with Thailand’s net-zero ambitions while enhancing long-term energy security. He added that KHNP is prepared to support EGAT by sharing expertise and operational experience in nuclear energy to advance Thailand’s clean energy initiatives.

The seminar represents an initial step toward deeper cooperation between the two organizations, ahead of a planned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on nuclear energy and SMR technology scheduled to be signed in June 2025. The partnership aims to facilitate future project development and strengthen technical collaboration between the two countries.