US, Japan, and South Korea Form Alliance to Export SMR Nuclear Technology

Key Facts

In a move reflecting the global shift toward strengthening energy security and reducing carbon emissions, the United States, Japan, and South Korea signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to accelerate the international deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The US announced a major industry initiative involving GE Vernova, Hitachi, and Samsung to deploy BWRX-300 reactors in Europe. Additionally, the US State Department committed $10 million to fund infrastructure programs for the responsible use of SMR technology.

This alliance comes amid intensifying geopolitical competition in the nuclear energy market, as the three nations seek to counter Russian and Chinese influence in this vital sector. According to market data, GE Vernova (GEV) shares closed at $1070.99 on July 8, 2026, while Hitachi (6501.T) stood at 4,707 JPY at the close of July 10, 2026. These strategic partnerships reflect the ambition of major industrial players to capture a dominant share of the SMR market, which experts anticipate will grow rapidly over the coming decade.

Investors should watch for the development of executive contracts in Europe and the Indo-Pacific as key catalysts for sector stocks. Regarding current price levels, GEV recently hit a high of $1109.2, while Hitachi traded between 4,686 and 4,768 JPY during the July 10, 2026 session. Markets are also looking ahead to the OPEC meeting on July 5, 2026, which may influence the global energy landscape and investment trends in nuclear alternatives.