EGAT partners with USTDA to accelerate SMR power plant feasibility study, enhancing clean energy security
15 September 2026EGAT has signed a grant agreement with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for a preliminary feasibility study on a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power plant project, aiming to strengthen power system stability alongside clean energy generation.
On September 14, 2026, Mr. Akanat Promphan, Minister of Energy; Mr. James Danly, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy; Mr. Prasert Sinsukprasert, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy; and Ambassador Sean K. O’Neill, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, witnessed the grant agreement signing ceremony for the preliminary feasibility study of the SMR power plant project. The agreement was signed between USTDA and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Mr. Thomas R. Hardy, Deputy Director and Acting Director of USTDA, and Mr. Narin Phoawanich, Governor of EGAT, served as the signatories. The ceremony took place at the Gastech 2026 exhibition at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangkok.
Mr. Thomas R. Hardy, Deputy Director and Acting Director of USTDA, stated that for the United States, this partnership reflects its commitment to advancing American innovation and its leadership role in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and advanced nuclear technologies. The collaboration is part of the revitalization and advancement of the U.S. nuclear energy sector, marking a renewed era of fostering innovation and investment while creating new opportunities to deploy advanced technologies both in the U.S. and globally. Furthermore, the partnership aligns with a broader, critical U.S. foreign policy objective: working with trusted allies and partners to expand access to reliable energy technologies while enhancing energy security across the Indo-Pacific region.
Mr. Narin Phoawanich, Governor of EGAT, noted that Thailand is currently heading toward clean energy transition. Exploring various alternatives to enhance energy security and maintain power generation stability to achieve the country’s carbon neutrality goals is critical. This grant represents a crucial foundation for Thailand in assessing the feasibility of SMR technology. EGAT highly values the opportunity to learn from U.S. innovation, expertise, and experience while moving forward to foster stronger cooperation between the two nations.
As Thailand’s electricity demand continues to rise, integrating SMR technology as part of the country’s long-term power generation mix will enhance the flexibility and security of the grid, thereby supporting continuous economic growth and industrial development. This agreement will enable EGAT to conduct preliminary assessments of potential sites, costs, as well as the regulatory procedures and requirements necessary to advance the deployment plan for SMR technology in Thailand. This marks another significant step for the country in developing a more secure and diversified energy supply.