US-based start-up NANO Nuclear Energy is one of 16 civil nuclear entities joining the US Civil Nuclear/SMR Industry Working Group (CNIWG) for Southeast Asia. CNIWG aims to support the deployment and export of US small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies to Southeast Asia.
CNIWG for Southeast Asia is an initiative established in partnership with the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA), the Foreign Commercial Service at US Missions in Southeast Asia, and the Industry and Analysis (I&A) Office of Energy & Environmental Industries. It supports the objectives of ITA’s interagency SMR Public-Private Program (SMR PPP) to promote the deployment and export of US-based advanced nuclear technologies.
“Southeast Asia presents a very promising market for our advanced, portable microreactor power solutions in development,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “The region’s geographical challenges often limit the expansion of traditional power grids, leading many communities to rely on diesel generators. NANO Nuclear’s involvement in this working group will allow us to gain deeper insights and adapt our proprietary microreactors to meet the specific needs of Southeast Asian communities as well as remote areas generally, which has always been a part of our strategy.”
The working group will hold quarterly meetings to review key government activities, policies, and export opportunities for SMRs and advanced civil nuclear technologies. These sessions will feature targeted briefings and updates on projected energy demand in Southeast Asia, fostering knowledge sharing among industry experts and offering valuable insights into the region’s requirements. NANO Nuclear will also be notified regarding opportunities to participate in US Government initiatives, including trade missions, industry roundtables, and workshops, subject to eligibility and specific program requirements.
“From the outset, we identified remote and island communities with limited access to traditional power grids as prime use cases for our microreactor designs,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Our participation in this working group will be highly valuable for NANO Nuclear, allowing us to strengthen our relationships with government officials, businesses, and communities across Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, as well as key US officials.”
NANO Nuclear founded in 2022, is developing ZEUS, a solid core battery reactor, and ODIN, a low-pressure coolant reactor, each representing clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand NANO’s subsidiaries include Advanced Fuel Transportation (AFT), HALEU Energy Fuel (HEF) and NANO Nuclear Space (NNS).
