Fermi America is advancing plans for large-scale nuclear construction in the U.S. through an expanded partnership with Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., focusing on Project Matador, an 11 GW private energy campus outside Amarillo, Texas. The companies are conducting Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) work for four AP1000 units as part of the proposed nuclear buildout. Fermi America aims to position the project as a cornerstone for restoring U.S. nuclear construction capability after decades of limited large-scale development.
Executives from Fermi America participated in Hyundai E&C’s Large-Scale Nuclear Technology Seminar held Feb. 10 at The Westin Dallas Downtown. The event convened contractors and nuclear industry stakeholders to address execution requirements for modern nuclear builds, including modular construction methods, heavy lifting, nuclear-grade mechanical installation, plant building systems, and workforce development. Organizers focused on strengthening U.S. supply chain readiness and mobilizing Texas-based contractors in anticipation of potential project execution.
FEED activities for Project Matador include site layout planning, cooling system assessments, and cost and schedule development to support a potential engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) pathway. CEO Toby Neugebauer said the project stands apart due to its regulatory status and site readiness. “It’s a very short line of companies eager to do nuclear here in America,” Neugebauer said. “The list is even shorter when you consider the projects with a COL accepted for review, active NRC engagement, and a highly characterized site that are ready to break ground this year.” He added that Hyundai E&C’s global reactor construction record and Westinghouse AP1000 technology, combined with federal support, could accelerate new U.S. nuclear deployment.
• Four AP1000 reactors under FEED evaluation
• 11 GW total planned capacity at Project Matador
• Campus located outside Amarillo, Texas
• Seminar covered modular construction, heavy lift, nuclear standards, and workforce training
• Project targets power supply for AI data centers, advanced manufacturing, and industrial load growth
🌐 Analysis: The partnership aligns with broader efforts to restart U.S. nuclear construction amid rising electricity demand driven by AI infrastructure and large-scale data center development. Hyundai E&C previously led multiple reactor builds in South Korea and the UAE, while Westinghouse’s AP1000 design anchors the only new-generation U.S. reactors completed in recent decades, positioning Project Matador within a small but active cohort of large nuclear proposals.
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