KEPCO KPS has signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) with X-energy and DL E&C for the development of technology and business related to non-light water reactor-type fourth-generation small modular reactors (SMRs). KEPCO KPS, known for nuclear plant expertise, will collaborate on standard operating procedures and maintenance for X-energy's "Xe-100" model. X-energy, a leading SMR developer, utilizes high-temperature helium gas coolant and aims for commercialization by 2029. It secured significant funding from the US government and the private sector. DL E&C, which has extensive experience in various nuclear power projects, made a strategic investment of US$20 million in X-energy in January last year and is fostering SMRs as a future growth engine. Through this agreement, DL E&C expects to expand its SMR plant business and collaborate on technology development across the entire life cycle of SMRs, including not only SMR EPC but also operations and maintenance.