Nuclear Power, AI Demand, and the Next U.S.-Korea Industrial Bet | Ep. 25

As artificial intelligence drives unprecedented electricity demand, the United States and South Korea are exploring a new strategic frontier: nuclear energy cooperation. Dr. Yongsoo Hwang, Distinguished Professor for Special Affairs at the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School, joins Eye on Korea to explain how South Korea’s proven record of delivering nuclear projects on time and on cost, through KHNP, Doosan Enerbility, and other private sector players, coupled with deep expertise in engineering, procurement, construction, and management, positions it as a compelling partner in America’s push to scale reliable baseload power for the AI era.

Together with KEI President & CEO Scott Snyder, Dr. Hwang unpacks the technical and commercial unknowns still separating U.S. and Korean reactor pathways, including AP1000 versus AP1400 deployment, private-sector decision-making, supply chain constraints, and timelines beyond 2026. The conversation also explores South Korea’s European track record as a benchmark for U.S. market prospects, public opinion shifts driven by cost realities and NIMBY constraints, nuclear safety and waste challenges, enrichment and reprocessing debates, the growing discussion around nuclear latency, and more. The TL;DR? The U.S. and Korea can deliver secure, scalable power for the AI economy with nuclear energy.

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