Hyundai E&C has moved to expand its presence in the American nuclear energy sector by establishing a strategic partnership with First American Nuclear Co. (FANCO).

The South Korean builder signed a five-year Master Service Agreement (MSA) with the U.S. reactor developer at its headquarters in Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Friday, 30 October. The ceremony was attended by senior leaders from both businesses, including Hyundai E&C chief executive Lee Han-woo and George Malone, who heads nuclear programs at FANCO.

The formal contract follows an initial Framework Agreement signed by the two companies in July. Under the new arrangement, individual task orders will set out specific work scopes, contract values and timelines as project requirements develop.

Over the course of the agreement, which includes an option to extend by mutual consent, Hyundai E&C will support the development of FANCO’s next-generation EAGL-1 small modular reactor (SMR). Its duties include technical advisory services covering design and engineering, feasibility reviews on constructability, and structural feedback. By embedding engineering, procurement and construction expertise early in the design phase, the company aims to position itself as a prime candidate for subsequent building work.

FANCO is progressing the commercialisation of its EAGL-1 project, which relies on a liquid metal fast reactor design cooled by a liquid lead-bismuth alloy. The firm has already submitted a regulatory engagement plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Each single EAGL-1 reactor produces around 240MWe of electricity. Its modular setup permits units to be installed in clusters, expanding generating capacity alongside growing energy demands. The reactor also features a Bridge Power solution that connects to existing energy grids to meet early demand before transitioning in phases to nuclear output. This offers greater operational flexibility for major industrial sites and data centres.

A Hyundai E&C official said, “Hyundai E&C is expanding its international track record in both large-scale nuclear power projects and the next-generation energy construction market.”

The official added, “Through this agreement with FANCO, we will drive the commercialization of the “EAGL-1 project” and further strengthen our leading position in the U.S. SMR market.”

The company expects the partnership to build on its global track record across conventional nuclear power plants and modern energy developments.