Thailand is intensifying its focus on low-carbon electricity as the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) convened the KHNP–EGAT SMR Technical Seminar in Bangkok.
The event brought together nuclear energy specialists from both countries to exchange expertise on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, signaling a strategic step in Thailand’s transition toward stable, carbon-reduced power generation.
Opening the seminar, Siriwat Jedsri, Deputy Governor for Power Plant Development and Renewable Energy at EGAT, emphasized the evolving energy landscape in Southeast Asia, where the twin pressures of energy security and carbon reduction are shaping policy and infrastructure investment. Jedsri highlighted that SMRs offer a scalable pathway for reliable, low-carbon electricity production, meeting international safety standards while complementing Thailand’s broader decarbonization strategy.
Soonkil Jung, General Manager of Overseas SMR Projects at KHNP, underscored the alignment of SMR deployment with Thailand’s net-zero ambitions. He noted that KHNP’s operational experience and technical expertise in nuclear energy could accelerate the country’s readiness for SMR projects, particularly in areas of safety compliance, technology adaptation, and human capital development.
The seminar, held at the Grand Center Point Terminal 21 Hotel in early March, focused on key technical and regulatory considerations for SMR deployment. Topics included reactor design and technology variations, safety frameworks, project development experience, and international best practices. Participants also explored approaches to institutional capacity building and knowledge transfer critical for emerging nuclear programs in Southeast Asia.
This event marks a precursor to a formal Memorandum of Understanding planned for June 2025, which is expected to establish a framework for joint SMR project development and technical cooperation between EGAT and KHNP. The MoU will likely cover operational support, technology transfer, and training initiatives aimed at strengthening Thailand’s nuclear sector while mitigating project and safety risks.
SMRs are increasingly considered a strategic option for countries seeking low-carbon, dispatchable power solutions that can integrate with renewable generation. By leveraging modular designs, Thailand can pursue incremental deployment while managing construction timelines, financing requirements, and regulatory oversight more efficiently than with traditional large-scale nuclear reactors.
