Fermi
America, a private energy developer in the United States, is moving
ahead with what could become one of the most significant privately
financed clean energy projects globally. The developer has signed
binding agreements with two South Korean power and engineering
giants Doosan Enerbility and Hyundai Engineering & Construction
to assist in constructing four AP1000 nuclear reactors in Texas.
These reactors will serve as the main power source for a
large-scale computing and energy campus designed to support
advanced artificial intelligence systems. According to World
Nuclear News, the project represents a shift in how data and
computing centres could be powered in the future, as it aims to
rely on reliable, clean and high-capacity power rather than public
electricity grids.
Private
energy ecosystem for AI
The
development, named Project Matador, was announced in June and will
be located in Amarillo, Texas, in partnership with the Texas Tech
University System. World Nuclear News reports that the
project is designed to function as a behind-the-meter HyperGrid
campus, meaning it will generate and manage its own power on site
and distribute it directly to energy-intensive computing rather
than relying on public utilities.
Project
Matador is intended to become the world’s largest energy-driven
artificial intelligence complex. Once completed, the site will
integrate nuclear power from the four Westinghouse AP1000 reactors
with a vast combined-cycle natural gas facility, solar
installations, battery energy storage and selective access to power
from conventional utility grids. Fermi America expects the campus
to deliver one gigawatt of energy by the end of 2026 from
non-nuclear sources, giving the computing campus operating capacity
while nuclear reactors undergo licensing and
construction.
The
developer views Project Matador not simply as an energy plant but
as a new model for powering digital infrastructure. The concept is
centred on maintaining energy independence and providing a stable
power supply to artificial intelligence systems, reducing exposure
to grid instability or power shortages.
Regulatory
progress and construction timeline
On June
17, Fermi America submitted its Combined Operating Licence
Application to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
According to World Nuclear News, this application covers
both the construction and operation of the four AP1000 reactors,
and it was accepted for review in September. Reaching this stage
places Fermi America ahead of many competing private nuclear
proposals in the country.
The
developer has already begun ground analysis and geotechnical work
at the site. Fermi America plans to begin construction of the
nuclear power complex next year, with the first reactor expected to
become operational by 2032. World Nuclear News states that
the remaining reactors will follow in subsequent phases. This
timeline highlights the developer’s aim to bring nuclear energy to
market more rapidly than past American nuclear projects, supported
by proven technology and experienced partners.
Doosan
Enerbility: component provider
To avoid
delays that often occur due to equipment procurement, Fermi America
has signed an agreement with Doosan Enerbility. World Nuclear
News reports that under this agreement, Doosan will begin
forging the large and complex reactor pressure vessels and steam
generators, which are essential components for AP1000 reactors.
These pieces require long lead times and specialised manufacturing
capacity. By reserving production slots now, Fermi America
positions itself ahead of other developers who may depend on the
same supply chain.
Fermi
America said that this early commitment ensures priority placement
in the supply chain and demonstrates that Project Matador is
transitioning from planning into execution. The agreement is
described as a strategic step that keeps the project on schedule
and reduces risk during later construction phases.
Hyundai
Engineering & Construction: turning plans into
designs
In
parallel with the Doosan agreement, Fermi America has signed a
Front-End Engineering Design contract with Hyundai Engineering
& Construction. According to World Nuclear News,
Hyundai will produce the engineering foundation for the reactors,
including the overall site layout, evaluation of cooling solutions
suitable for the climate in Texas, and a detailed budget and
construction timeline for the first phase.
This
contract builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in July
between the two companies. Under that MoU, both parties committed
to collaborate on planning and executing the hybrid energy model,
preparing construction work packages and advancing toward a full
Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract, expected in
early 2026. World Nuclear News highlights that this
agreement signals early contractor involvement on a scale not
commonly seen in American nuclear developments.
Why
Korean nuclear expertise matters
Doosan
Enerbility and Hyundai Engineering & Construction are both
known for their strong global track records in nuclear power. South
Korean builders are recognised for completing nuclear projects on
time and within budget, something that has historically challenged
nuclear development in the United States. Hyundai emphasised that
this contract marks the first time a South Korean company has
secured a large nuclear construction project in the United States.
World Nuclear News notes that Hyundai also claims to be
the only firm in nuclear power construction history that
consistently delivers on schedule and on budget.
Fermi
America stressed the importance of working with partners that have
real-world experience constructing large nuclear facilities.
Company co-founder Toby Neugebauer said that Doosan and Hyundai
represent the hands-on experience necessary for delivering nuclear
energy at the pace expected by the US government and energy
markets. Mesut Uzman, CEO of Fermi Nuclear, added that securing the
FEED contract with Hyundai and forging commitments with Doosan
represent the moment the project shifts from vision to
implementation. Doosan’s president Jongdoo Kim said the company was
eager to support Project Matador because Fermi America has
consistently followed through on commitments.
Project
Matador is more than a single development. If it succeeds, it could
serve as a blueprint for future energy-intensive industries.
Instead of relying on the strained national power grid, large
computing centres could generate and control their own dedicated
energy sources powered by nuclear energy and supported by
complementary generation technologies.
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