Integrated Conference to Unite Global Nuclear Leadership

The World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference 2026 and the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum 2026 will operate as a unified event, creating a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to converge. The conference is expected to attract policymakers, regulators, utilities, reactor vendors, engineering and construction firms, manufacturers, suppliers, financiers, research organizations, and international institutions. This consolidated approach aims to strengthen the country’s positioning within the regional nuclear supply chain while opening pathways for nuclear energy investment opportunities.

Aligning with National Nuclear Energy Targets

The Department of Energy’s initiative directly supports the Philippine Energy Plan‘s ambitious nuclear capacity goals. Under the strategic roadmap, the nation aims to develop 1,200 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2032, expand to 2,400 megawatts by 2035 and reach 4,800 megawatts by 2050. These targets represent a comprehensive pathway toward meeting the country’s growing energy demands through clean, reliable power generation.

Philippines’ Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin emphasized the importance of the partnership in advancing these national objectives.

“The Philippines is pleased to partner with the World Nuclear Association to convene this integrated event in Manila. As ASEAN countries explore sustainable pathways to meet growing energy demand, cooperation on policy, skills, investment, and supply chain capability will be essential,” Garin said.

Addressing Practical Requirements for Nuclear Expansion

The conference program is designed to address the multifaceted challenges involved in scaling from individual projects to full-scale nuclear programs. Participants will engage with topics including industrial readiness assessment, vendor development strategies, project delivery risk mitigation, financing mechanisms, localization initiatives, and ASEAN supply chain integration approaches.

Beyond formal presentations, the event will feature dedicated networking sessions and business-to-business meetings. These interactions provide international vendors with direct access to regional stakeholders, facilitating the identification of partnership opportunities and supply chain capabilities necessary for successful project execution.

Building Resilient Global Supply Networks

The World Nuclear Association’s Director General Sama Bilbao y León said, “The expansion of nuclear energy will be delivered through strong regional partnerships and resilient global supply chains.”

“By partnering with the Philippines Department of Energy, we are creating a single platform that brings international expertise together with ASEAN’s priorities for industrial development, clean energy, and energy security. This partnership will help turn ambition into practical collaboration across the full nuclear value chain,” he added.

The MoU was signed in Jakarta on 30th June 2026 between Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) and Indonesia’s Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (Bapeten). Through this framework, the two agencies will engage in technical exchanges, collaborative training programmes, research initiatives, and knowledge sharing in areas such as nuclear safety, nuclear security, radiation protection, and emergency preparedness.

The arrangement underscores the growing importance of regional partnerships as countries across Southeast Asia assess the potential contribution of nuclear technology to future energy demand.

Leaders Highlight Long-Term Partnership and Regional Preparedness

Benjamin Koh, Chief Executive of Singapore’s NEA, said the nuclear safety cooperation agreement builds on the strong relationship between Singapore and Indonesia. He noted that closer collaboration will help both countries strengthen regulatory oversight, improve emergency response capabilities, and exchange technical knowledge as Singapore continues to study advanced nuclear technologies.

Indonesia’s acting Bapeten chairman, Zainal Arifin, described the agreement as more than a technical arrangement. He said it represents a long-term partnership that will strengthen regulatory capabilities while helping both countries respond to new challenges in nuclear safety and radiation protection.

In addition, the nuclear safety cooperation MoU supports wider regional initiatives aimed at boosting preparedness for nuclear or radiological incidents while promoting the adoption of international safety standards throughout Southeast Asia.

Clean Energy Goals Drive Increased Interest in Nuclear Technology

The nuclear safety cooperation agreement comes as interest in clean energy alternatives continues to grow across the region, with several nations exploring nuclear energy as part of their long-term energy strategies. While Singapore has not made a decision to adopt nuclear power, it has continued to invest in research, develop regulatory expertise, and assess advanced reactor technologies.

The country is also preparing for an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2027. The review will evaluate Singapore’s preparedness in key areas, including safety regulations, emergency planning, radioactive waste management, and institutional capacity before any decision is taken on nuclear energy development.

At the same time, Indonesia is moving ahead with efforts to develop nuclear energy while continuing to strengthen its regulatory system. The newly established agreement creates opportunities for both countries to share expertise, enhance technical capabilities, and ensure that future nuclear projects are supported by rigorous safety and security measures.

On 1st July 2026, SK Group confirmed that it had signed a share investment agreement with a fund managed by KKR for the integrated renewable energy business. As part of the transaction, SK Innovation, SK Ecoplant and SK Discovery are transferring their renewable energy operations and related shareholdings to KKR. The combined business, which will operate under the tentative name ‘HoldCo’, is expected to be formally launched before the end of this year. Once established, the renewable energy company will begin with approximately 1.7GW of capacity and has outlined plans to increase that figure to 10GW by 2031.

Explaining the significance of that target, SK Group stated, “10GW is sufficient to power 100 units of 100MW-scale data centers without interruption. This positions the entity as a key clean energy supplier for AI data centers and global semiconductor production lines.”

KKR to Hold Majority Stake as Capacity Targets Grow

Under the ownership structure agreed by the two parties, KKR will own 51% of the integrated entity, while SK Inc. will retain the remaining 49%. KKR will initially exercise management control, although SK Group has indicated that future discussions could address the possibility of obtaining management rights. The newly formed renewable energy company will consolidate SK Group’s renewable energy portfolio, excluding hydrogen, and will encompass solar power, onshore and offshore wind projects, fuel cells, and ESS assets.

According to SK Group, the purpose of combining these businesses is to centralize development, construction, operation, and maintenance functions currently dispersed across subsidiaries, reducing redundant investments and achieving economies of scale. Industry observers view the latest move as part of a broader pattern of investments and restructuring initiatives by SK Group spanning AI, semiconductors, and renewable energy sectors, all of which align closely with government development priorities.

KKR brings significant experience to the partnership. The investment firm manages more than 100 billion dollars in infrastructure assets globally and has invested around 31 billion dollars (48 trillion Korean won) in renewable energy infrastructure since 2011. During the past five years, the firm has also committed multi-trillion-won investments to South Korea’s environmentally focused energy and AI infrastructure sectors. Looking ahead, SK Group intends to utilize KKR’s international network to pursue overseas power opportunities, lower costs through joint procurement of power facilities, and improve operational efficiency through integrated management of the combined business.

The meeting served as a preliminary discussion ahead of the launch of a public-private consultative body for floating solar power, which is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of the year. The initiative follows last year’s industry meeting, during which private-sector participants highlighted the need for a formal communication channel to facilitate regular discussions on policy and industry-related matters. As part of its broader renewable energy strategy, K-water plans to expand renewable energy facilities utilizing water infrastructure to 10GW by 2030. Of the total planned capacity, 6.5GW is expected to be developed through floating solar power projects. The corporation identified the reduction of administrative and technical challenges during project execution, along with stronger public-private cooperation, as critical priorities for achieving these objectives.

Industry Stakeholders Review Policy Trends and Project Progress

Representatives from organizations including the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and Korea Energy Agency participated in the meeting. The event also brought together manufacturers supplying modules, floaters, and transformers, as well as companies specializing in design, construction, and supervision services. During the session, Korea Water Resources Corporation presented updates on the status of its floating solar power projects and ongoing research and development activities. Korea Energy Agency also provided attendees with information on recent policy developments, including changes related to the restructuring of the renewable energy supply system.

Discussions Focus on Costs, Investment and Supply Chain Stability

A subsequent discussion examined several challenges affecting the sector. Participants addressed increasing project costs linked to higher raw material prices, the influence of changes in the policy environment on private investment and R&D activities, and approaches aimed at strengthening supply chain stability. Attendees also outlined key issues that should be prioritized by the public-private consultative body once it is formally established later this year. In addition, views were exchanged regarding the structure and operational framework of the organization.

K-water stated that the feedback gathered during the meeting will be reflected in the establishment and operation of the consultative body, with the objective of creating an effective cooperation system for the industry.

Bongkeun Oh, Head of the Renewable Energy Division at Korea Water Resources Corporation, stated, “To expand the adoption of floating solar power, a cooperative system in which public institutional support and private technological capabilities are organically combined is essential.”

“We will continue to engage directly with the field to ensure that the public-private consultative body launching in the second half of the year operates as a practical platform for regulatory improvement and enhancement of industrial competitiveness,” he added.

Strengthening Grid Stability and Renewable Energy Integration

The Utility-Scale battery energy storage project will facilitate the construction of a 250-megawatt/500-megawatt-hour battery storage system at the Takeo substation. This facility will capture excess renewable energy and dispatch it back to the grid to manage peak loads and stabilize fluctuations. Such infrastructure is essential to meet the increasing demand for electricity from industrial zones, urban districts, and agro-processing facilities in the southern regions of the country.

By improving grid interconnectivity with Vietnam, the battery storage project contributes to the ASEAN Power Grid’s objective of achieving fully integrated electricity operations by 2045.

ADB Country Director for Cambodia Yasmin Siddiqi said, “By strengthening the power grid with advanced battery storage, we are helping the country unlock more renewable energy while ensuring that families, farmers, and businesses benefit from safe, stable, and affordable electricity.”

Advancing a Sustainable Power System and Regional Goals

Currently, the nation’s power sector depends heavily on imported fuel, leaving it exposed to external price volatility and supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions. This battery storage project supports the national target of reaching 70% renewable energy capacity by 2030. Once operational, the facility is expected to prevent approximately 27,700 tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year, significantly aiding the renewable energy integration.

In addition to physical infrastructure, the battery storage project will bolster the capacity of Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), the state-owned utility, to manage advanced electrical systems. It also promotes technical skills development and seeks to increase female participation in leadership and technical roles within the sector.

The $63.44 million financing includes a $40 million concessional loan and a $5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank, complemented by $18.44 million in cofinancing from the Green Climate Fund and the United Kingdom through the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility.

On 22nd June 2026, GS E&C announced that it had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global infrastructure investment firm I Squared Capital. Under the agreement, the two companies will establish a renewable energy joint venture (JV) focused on promoting renewable energy businesses within South Korea’s domestic market.

Focus on Solar Power and Battery Storage Projects

The cooperation is centered on a goal of developing and securing a combined 1.5GW of energy transition assets by 2035. The portfolio will primarily focus on solar power and battery energy storage systems (BESS). As part of the broader plan, solar power generation assets are expected to reach approximately 820MW. The total estimated cost of the initiative stands at about 3 trillion won. To fund the projects, the partners are reviewing a structure in which a portion of the capital would be invested directly through the renewable energy JV, while the remaining financing would be secured through external sources, including project financing (PF).

Strategic Shift Beyond the EPC Model

Through the establishment of the renewable energy JV, GS E&C intends to transform its renewable energy business from an EPC-centered structure into a developer-oriented model. This approach is regarded as offering stronger profitability and greater scalability because it enables participation in site acquisition, permissions and authorizations, business structure design, and the securing of business rights and power generation assets from the beginning of a project’s lifecycle.

Under the planned division of responsibilities, GS E&C will oversee new business discovery, site acquisition, permissions and authorizations, business structure establishment, project management, and technical advisory functions. Meanwhile, I Squared Capital will provide support in investment structure design and financing, drawing on its experience in global infrastructure investment.

The two new nuclear reactors planned for Yeongdeok County will each have a capacity of 1,400 MW and are expected to be completed in 2037 and 2038. These units are anticipated to employ South Korea’s domestically developed Generation III+ APR1400 pressurised water reactor (PWR) technology. The APR1400 was created by KHNP and Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco). KHNP operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kepco and is responsible for owning and operating South Korea’s commercial nuclear power facilities.

Alongside the large-scale reactor project, KHNP is moving ahead with plans for the i-SMR plant in Gijang County, which is targeted for completion in 2035. The i-SMR is South Korea’s proprietary next-generation SMR nuclear plant and was developed by a consortium of South Korean organisations led by KHNP and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. Known as the Innovative Small Modular Reactor, the design is based on PWR technology and delivers an electrical output of 170 MW. Reports in South Korea stated that the Gijang SMR facility is expected to have a total capacity of about 700 MW, suggesting the deployment of four units with a combined capacity of 680 MW.

The designation of these locations for the two new nuclear reactors marks the first occasion since 2011 that South Korea has selected new sites for nuclear power plants. According to KHNP, the chosen locations were identified following assessments covering suitability, environmental impact, construction feasibility and public acceptance. The company intends to launch licensing procedures, including an environmental impact assessment in early 2027.

Rosatom’s commitment to Vietnam’s nuclear industry

Likhachev reaffirmed Rosatom’s readiness to assist Vietnam in advancing its nuclear industry through support for the establishment of a modern nuclear center, the promotion of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and the training of highly qualified nuclear specialists. He also emphasized the corporation’s intention to maintain close cooperation with Vietnamese partners to ensure the effective implementation of previously agreed projects while exploring additional areas with strong potential for future collaboration. Likhachev stated that cooperation with Vietnam remains one of Rosatom’s top priorities.

Ninh Thuan Project Remains Central to Nuclear Cooperation

He further noted that Rosatom is working closely with Vietnamese counterparts to move forward with the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant project. In addition to cooperation in the nuclear industry, he pointed to opportunities for expanded collaboration in renewable energy, high technology, logistics, and shipbuilding for the Arctic region.

Vietnam’s Commitment to Nuclear Energy Development

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung expressed appreciation for the longstanding contributions of Rosatom and the Russian side to Vietnam’s nuclear energy sector over the past four decades, including support related to the operation of the Da Lat nuclear reactor. He said that the Vietnam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, supported by a high degree of political trust, provides a strong platform for elevating bilateral cooperation in atomic energy into a long-term strategic pillar.

The Prime Minister also noted that, as an active member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vietnam places significant importance on the peaceful application and development of nuclear energy. In that context, cooperation with Russia and the implementation of the Ninh Thuan I Nuclear Power Plant project continue to rank among Vietnam’s highest priorities. He called on Rosatom and the Russian side to continue supporting the extension of operations at the Da Lat reactor and the implementation of the Nuclear Science and Technology Center project in Dong Nai city.

Formal signatures on the document were provided by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith. The nuclear cooperation agreement establishes a basis for discussions regarding a potential Russian-designed nuclear power plant in Laos and creates a legal structure for future collaboration between the two countries in the nuclear sector.

The agreement provides the foundation for broader bilateral engagement in nuclear energy and enables both countries to begin assessing the viability of a nuclear energy project in Laos. As part of the first phase under the nuclear cooperation agreement, the parties intend to carry out a preliminary feasibility study examining how nuclear energy could be integrated into the Lao power system. The assessment will focus on determining the most suitable project configuration while also identifying possible locations for a future nuclear power plant. Results from the study are expected to support decision-making by the Lao government as it considers whether to advance a national nuclear energy program.

Rosatom stated that it has technologies for both floating and land-based small modular nuclear power plants and continues to strengthen energy cooperation across Southeast Asia. The nuclear cooperation agreement with Laos comes after several other nuclear energy arrangements involving Russia in the region. In March 2025, Russia and Myanmar signed an agreement covering the construction of a small modular nuclear power plant in Myanmar based on Russia’s RITM reactor technology.

On 23rd March 2026, Russia and Vietnam signed an intergovernmental agreement in Moscow for the construction of Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant, Ninh Thuan 1, using Russia’s Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactor technology. Rosatom said such projects could support industrial development, create jobs, strengthen workforce training, and improve long-term energy security in Southeast Asia.

The Korea-EU Energy Transition Win-Win Cooperation Forum, organized by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, was designed to support Korean companies in expanding their reach within the European power sector. This region is experiencing a surge in demand for renewable energy deployment and the replacement of aging transmission and distribution networks. The forum convened key European power operators and infrastructure companies, including Siemens, RWE, and TenneT, alongside Korea Electric Power Corporation and Korea Power Exchange. Taihan Cable stood out as the sole domestic power equipment manufacturer to secure substantive business partnership agreements, underscoring its strong standing in the global marketplace.

Jan De Nul and Boskalis, now partners with Taihan Cable, are globally recognized leaders with extensive engineering expertise in offshore wind farm development and submarine projects. Through these collaborations, Taihan Cable intends to integrate its advanced HVDC cable manufacturing technology with the partners’ unparalleled offshore construction capabilities. This combined strength aims to deliver a comprehensive “total solution,” encompassing route design, manufacturing, and final installation. The company anticipates that this strategic synergy will lead to successful bids in the rapidly expanding global HVDC submarine cable market.

Speaking about the HVDC submarine cable MOUs, Paek Jongmin, Vice Chairman of Taihan Cable, said, “This forum has provided us with an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with outstanding European companies and secure new growth momentum in the global market.”

“In particular, these agreements are expected to enhance the global competitiveness of Korea’s power and energy industry, boost the technological and business capabilities of the HVDC power grid sector, and expand the role and status of Korean companies on the world stage,” he added.

The company is actively bolstering its infrastructure to secure an early advantage in the next-generation HVDC market. Taihan Cable is currently constructing a second plant in Dangjin, Chungnam Province, which will be equipped to produce 640kV-class high-voltage submarine cables. Complementing its existing cable-laying vessel (CLV), the Palos, the company has recently taken delivery of the Scandi Connector, a specialized 10,000-tonne vessel. These investments substantially strengthen its construction capacity, thereby enhancing its turnkey competitiveness and enabling a seamless process from production and maritime transportation to on-site installation.