Thailand's EGAT and USTDA sign agreement for preliminary SMR study
The agreement will allow EGAT to assess potential sites, costs and the regulatory procedures and requirements for a small modular reactor power plant project in Thailand.
- The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) have signed a grant agreement to fund a preliminary feasibility study for a small modular reactor (SMR) power plant project.
- The study will allow EGAT to conduct initial assessments of potential sites, costs, and the regulatory procedures needed to implement SMR technology in Thailand.
- Thailand is exploring SMR technology as a potential clean energy source to enhance its energy security, maintain stable power generation, and achieve its carbon neutrality goals.
- The agreement reflects a U.S. commitment to promoting its nuclear technology and strengthening energy security with partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan, US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Prasert Sinsukprasert and US Ambassador to Thailand Sean K. O’Neill witnessed the signing of a grant agreement between the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to support a preliminary feasibility study for a small modular reactor (SMR) power plant project.
The agreement was signed by Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA deputy director serving as acting director, and EGAT Governor Narin Phoawanich at Gastech 2026, held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Bangkok.
Hardy said that, for the United States, the cooperation reflected the country’s commitment to promoting American innovation and its leadership in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and advanced nuclear technology.
It formed part of efforts to revitalise and advance the US nuclear energy sector during a renewed era of support for innovation and investment, creating new opportunities to deploy advanced technologies in the United States and around the world.
The cooperation also aligned with the broader US foreign policy priority of working with partner countries on the basis of mutual trust to expand access to reliable energy technologies while strengthening energy security across the Indo-Pacific.
Narin said Thailand was at a critical stage in its transition to clean energy, making it essential to explore options that could strengthen energy security and maintain stable power generation as the country pursued its carbon neutrality goal.
The support constituted an important foundation for Thailand to assess the feasibility of SMR power plant technology.
EGAT also regarded the opportunity to learn from US innovation, expertise and experience as important and would continue promoting cooperation between the two countries.
As Thailand’s electricity demand is expected to continue rising, using SMR power plant technology as part of the country’s electricity generation over the long term would help strengthen the flexibility and security of the power grid while supporting continued economic growth and industrial development.
The agreement will enable EGAT to conduct preliminary assessments of potential sites, costs and the regulatory procedures and requirements needed to move forward with its plan to introduce SMR power plant technology in Thailand.
It represents another approach for the country to develop energy sources that are more secure and diverse.
