Thailand and the United States agreed on September 14, 2026 to conduct a preliminary feasibility study on small modular reactor (SMR) power plants in Thailand. The agreement, signed at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok between the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), will assess potential sites, costs, and regulatory requirements for SMR technology as Thailand looks to diversify its long-term power mix.
Key Facts At A Glance
- Agreement signed September 14, 2026 at Gastech 2026, held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre
- Signatories: USTDA Acting Director Thomas R. Hardy and EGAT Governor Narin Phonvichai
- Witnesses included Thai Energy Minister Akanat Promphan, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly, Permanent Secretary for Energy Prasert Sinsukprasert, and U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Sean K. O’Neill
- Scope: a preliminary feasibility study covering potential SMR sites, project costs, and regulatory requirements in Thailand
- Framed as part of Thailand’s efforts to strengthen energy security and support its carbon neutrality goal
- Described by USTDA’s Hardy as promoting advanced nuclear technology and energy security across the Indo-Pacific
The agreement marks Thailand’s most concrete step yet toward evaluating nuclear power as part of its future generation mix. EGAT, the state utility that generates and manages the bulk of the country’s electricity supply, will use the study to determine whether SMR technology is a viable addition to its system.
EGAT Governor Narin Phonvichai said the study would help the authority assess sites, costs, and regulatory needs for SMR deployment, adding that the technology could eventually support grid stability and industrial growth as electricity demand rises. USTDA’s Hardy characterized the partnership as part of a broader push to advance nuclear cooperation with trusted partners across the Indo-Pacific region.
The signing took place alongside Gastech 2026, the same four-day energy conference running September 14–17 in Bangkok. Officials described the cooperation as one part of Thailand’s wider effort to build a more secure and diversified energy supply while working toward its carbon neutrality target.
Publicly available reporting does not yet specify a timeline for completing the feasibility study or a target date for any eventual SMR deployment decision.