The Atlantic Council—in partnership with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP), Doosan Enerbility, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute—will host a two-day conference addressing the opportunities for civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

The conference will begin at 9:00 a.m. KST on Monday, June 23 (8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 22). The second day will begin at 9:00 a.m. KST on Tuesday, June 24 (8:00 PM ET on Monday, June 23).

This two-day conference will address the previous decade of US-ROK civil nuclear cooperation and the existing 123 agreement. It will also discuss the next decade and the upcoming renewal of the US-ROK 123 agreement, as well as opportunities to enhance civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries.

This conversation will be broadcast on the Atlantic Council’s YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.

To confirm your virtual attendance for this event, please use the registration form on this page.

AGENDA

Day One | Monday, June 23

* All times in local KST time.


 9:00 – 9:05 a.m. Opening Remarks


9:05 – 9:30 a.m. Welcome Address


9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Keynote Speeches


10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Coffee Break


10:30 – 12:00 p.m. Session One: US-ROK nuclear energy cooperation

Marking a decade since the renewal of the US-ROK nuclear cooperation agreement—and at the midpoint to the next Section 123 agreement—this session will reflect on the history of bilateral cooperation and the key outcomes of the 2015 renewal. It will also assess the continued relevance of US-ROK civil nuclear cooperation amid evolving global dynamics and explore how the partnership should adapt to address emerging challenges.


12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch


1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Session Two: US-ROK nuclear industry cooperation: exports, construction, and supply chain

Both countries have experienced periods of growth and setback in their nuclear industries. Today, they are seeking to revitalize their sectors and expand global engagement. This session will examine each country’s industrial status—including exports, SMRs, construction, and supply chains—and identify concrete pathways for enhanced cooperation and joint growth.


2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Coffee Break


3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Session Three: Nuclear fuel cycle cooperation: enrichment, reprocessing, and R&D

The landscape surrounding the nuclear fuel cycle—including reliable fuel supply, the R&D environment, and advancements in technologies such as enrichment and reprocessing—has shifted significantly since the Section 123 agreement’s signing and renewal. This session will explore how US-ROK cooperation should evolve to ensure a secure and stable fuel supply, and to achieve continued technical innovation.

Day Two | Tuesday, June 24

* All times in local KST time.


 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Session Four: Nuclear diplomacy, security, and nonproliferation

This session will examine the geopolitical challenges facing the US and the Republic of Korea, alongside key regional and global issues related to nonproliferation and nuclear security. Panelists will discuss how the two countries can advance their political, diplomatic, and security interests through civil nuclear cooperation, and how their partnership can contribute to the peaceful use of atomic energy across the globe.


10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Coffee Break


11:00 – 12:30 p.m. Session Five: Powering AI with nuclear energy

At the center of nuclear energy’s revival lies the rapidly growing demand from AI-driven companies for clean, reliable, and large-scale power. This session will examine the emerging relationship between nuclear power and artificial intelligence and discuss how their convergence could shape the future of both sectors. Panelists will also explore how the US and South Korea can work together to lead in both sectors through strategic collaboration.


12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch


1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Session Six: The future of nuclear energy exports

This session will focus on countries that have recently adopted—or are considering adopting—Korean nuclear reactors as part of their national energy programs. Panelists will discuss the significance of that decision, the long-term benefits of nuclear adoption, and the unique strengths of Korea’s reactor technology. The session will also explore how the US and Korea can align their strategies as exporters and collaborate on tailored approaches that meet the specific needs of partner countries.


3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Coffee Break


3:30 – 4:50 p.m. Closing Session: The future of US-ROK civil nuclear cooperation

Moderators from each session will present key takeaways from the two-day program. Together, they will offer an integrated outlook on the future of US-ROK nuclear energy cooperation.


4:50 – 5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

speakers

*Speakers to be announced*

stay connected

Related content

Explore the program

The Global Energy Center develops and promotes pragmatic and nonpartisan policy solutions designed to advance global energy security, enhance economic opportunity, and accelerate pathways to net-zero emissions.

Atlantic Council TV

Watch this event and more content on ACTV

Follow the conversations shaping our world. Available on all major platforms.