Key facts
- U.S. sees potential for nuclear fuel-cycle cooperation with South Korea.
- Cooperation could include uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing.
- Further discussions are needed under the civil nuclear cooperation agreement.
- South Korea seeks to revise the agreement for greater flexibility.
- U.S. aims to quadruple nuclear power capacity by 2050.
- U.S. has invested $3 billion in uranium enrichment capabilities.
A U.S. government official stated on Thursday, October 29, 2026, that Washington sees potential for nuclear fuel-cycle cooperation with South Korea, including uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing. The official noted that such cooperation would require further discussions under the countries' civil nuclear cooperation agreement, known as the 123 Agreement, which currently requires U.S. consent for these activities. South Korea is seeking to revise the agreement to gain greater flexibility for civilian purposes. The U.S. official highlighted the U.S. goal to quadruple its nuclear power capacity by 2050 and mentioned the U.S. investment of around $3 billion in uranium enrichment capabilities. The official also pointed to potential collaborations between U.S. firms like Westinghouse Electric Co. and South Korean companies such as Hyundai Motor Co. on nuclear projects, including in third-country markets.