Friday, October 2, 2026

GABI Brief - Project Power: A New U.S.–Korea Nuclear Partnership

The Korean APR 1400 appears to be a worthy partner to the U.S. nuclear industry - repeatedly overly optimistic schedule estimates combined with years of overruns.

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The dates listed for each unit are the years in which first concrete placement was started. Six of the reactors are in Korea. The other four were built by the Koreans in the UAE.

Two main points stand out: (1) the actual schedules are much longer than the projected and (2) there doesn't appear to be much of a positive learning curve.

David




Project Power: A New U.S.–Korea Nuclear Partnership

October 1, 2026

By Global America Business Institute

Project Power marks a potentially significant expansion of U.S.–Korea nuclear cooperation, combining U.S. reactor technology and market opportunities with Korea’s investment, manufacturing, engineering, and construction capabilities. The framework envisions up to eight large reactors, including both Westinghouse AP1000 and Korean APR1400 units, while opening the door to deeper industrial and supply-chain integration. Its success, however, will depend on resolving financing, regulatory, site, and commercial issues before the projects can move into construction.

Global America Business Institute | www.thegabi.com

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