Nuclear-services giant Holtec International, US utility Entergy and South Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction (HDEC) have signed a memorandum of agreement to evaluate deployment of Holtec's SMR-300 small modular reactor across Entergy's Gulf South service territory, targeting large-load industrial and data-center customers.
What the MOA covers
Announced on August 4, 2026, the non-binding agreement establishes a framework for the three companies to jointly assess customer demand, candidate sites and commercial structures for potential dual-unit SMR-300 projects across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. A standard two-reactor SMR-300 site would deliver roughly 680 MWe of carbon-free baseload power — enough to anchor a hyperscale AI campus or a large industrial park.
Delivery through the Holtec-HDEC EPC platform
If any of the projects proceed, they will be delivered through Holtec's integrated engineering, procurement and construction platform with HDEC. Holtec will lead reactor technology, nuclear systems and nuclear procurement, while HDEC handles balance-of-plant engineering and construction, drawing on more than 50 years of continuous nuclear-plant construction experience. Major reactor components are earmarked for Holtec's US Advanced Manufacturing Division and future replica facilities.
Why the Gulf South
Entergy already runs one of the country's largest nuclear fleets and is scrambling to backfill new load coming from AI data centers, LNG plants and reshored manufacturing. The MOA is another sign that US utilities view small modular reactors as the most viable path to add firm carbon-free capacity this decade, alongside first-of-a-kind SMR-300 units planned for Holtec's Palisades site in Michigan.
Related coverage: Oyster Creek approved for four SMR-300 units, HanmiGlobal launches US SMR project company, DOE and TVA back Holtec with $400M SMR grants.
Reporting based on coverage from Holtec International, GlobeNewswire, World Nuclear News and ANS Nuclear Newswire.