NANO Nuclear Targets South Korean Industrial Decarbonization via DS Dansuk Alliance

2026-01-13 companies

Seoul, Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
This strategic collaboration leverages South Korea’s manufacturing infrastructure to deploy the innovative “One Factory, One MMR” initiative, positioning NANO Nuclear to accelerate microreactor commercialization across the broader Asian market.

Structuring a Pathway for Industrial Microreactors

On January 13, 2026, NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) formalized its entry into the South Korean market by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DS Dansuk Co., Ltd. [1][2]. This agreement establishes a framework for the development, localization, and deployment of Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) systems, specifically targeting South Korea’s industrial sector [3]. DS Dansuk, a company listed on the Seoul Stock Exchange, will act as the primary local industrial coordinator, leveraging its regional networks to facilitate site identification, supply chain localization, and regulatory engagement [1][3]. The collaboration is designed to bypass typical market entry barriers, with NANO Nuclear President Jay Yu noting that the partnership unlocks opportunities that would otherwise take years to secure [1].

The “One Factory, One MMR” Strategic Vision

A central component of this alliance is the implementation of the “One Factory, One MMR” strategy, which aims to co-locate clean nuclear microreactors directly at industrial manufacturing sites [1][3]. This decentralized approach allows for dedicated power generation that is easier to install and offers higher safety levels compared to conventional large-scale reactors [4]. Han Seung-uk, Chair of DS Dansuk, described the agreement as a pivotal moment for implementing carbon-neutral solutions in the region [3]. The companies plan to customize NANO Nuclear’s KRONOS MMR™ Energy System—a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR)—to meet the specific needs of South Korean industrial applications [2][3].

Operational Synergy and Market Expansion

Under the terms of the non-binding MOU, both entities retain their respective intellectual property rights while collaborating on licensing pathways aligned with South Korean nuclear standards [3]. DS Dansuk, which specializes in resource recycling, has been actively bolstering its energy capabilities, having previously established cooperation frameworks with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power’s Central Research Institute in 2025 [4][5]. For NANO Nuclear, which listed on the NASDAQ in May 2024, this partnership represents a critical step in commercializing its technology, which also includes the ZEUS solid core battery reactor and the portable LOKI MMR™ system [2][5]. James Walker, CEO of NANO Nuclear, emphasized that the joint review of these technologies will enable the creation of an optimized business model tailored to the Korean industrial landscape [5].

Future Outlook

Moving forward, the companies intend to identify pilot deployment sites and define comprehensive commercialization strategies, with the potential to enter into definitive documentation for specific projects [2][3]. By integrating global nuclear innovations with a robust domestic supply chain, the partnership aims to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-free energy system in Asia [1][4].

Sources

Nuclear Energy International Expansion