Thorizon and Hyundai Engineering & Construction sign strategic cooperation on molten salt reactor development and commercialization
Partnership brings together advanced reactor development and large-scale nuclear delivery capabilities
Amsterdam, March 9th 2026 – Thorizon, the Dutch-French nuclear technology company developing molten salt reactors, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C), a global engineering and construction company, have signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement marks the start of a strategic collaboration to jointly advance the development and future deployment of molten salt reactor (MSR) technology. The agreement was signed at Thorizon’s headquarters in Amsterdam by Kiki Lauwers, CEO of Thorizon and Sander de Groot, Founder of Thorizon, alongside Young Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai E&C, in the presence of senior representatives from both organizations.
Advancing the development of molten salt reactors
Under the Strategic Memorandum of Understanding, the companies will explore areas of cooperation related to the development and commercialization of Thorizon reactors. This includes collaboration on engineering and design activities, preparation for participation in future reactor projects and joint engagement with industrial energy users.
The collaboration reflects the growing global momentum behind advanced nuclear technologies and the importance of combining breakthrough reactor technologies with experienced industrial partners capable of delivering large-scale energy infrastructure.
Building on complementary expertise
Thorizon is developing the Thorizon One, a modular molten salt reactor designed to provide reliable carbon-free electricity and industrial heat for energy-intensive sectors. The reactor operates at low pressure and high temperature and is designed to contribute to a stable and sustainable energy system. It has the potential to reuse spent fuel from conventional reactors to extract remaining energy from it.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction brings decades of experience in delivering complex infrastructure and energy projects worldwide, including major nuclear power plant developments. Through the collaboration, the companies will determine how Hyundai E&C’s engineering and project delivery experience could support the future realization of Thorizon’s reactor program.
Strengthening international momentum for Thorzion reactor
Kiki Lauwers, CEO of Thorizon, said:
"We see strong international interest in Thorizon’s molten salt reactor development, and this collaboration with Hyundai Engineering & Construction reflects that momentum. Hyundai E&C brings an impressive track record in delivering large-scale nuclear projects, and we look forward to defining how their expertise can complement the future deployment of our reactor systems."
The agreement represents an important step in expanding Thorizon’s international network of industrial partners supporting the development of their molten salt reactor.
About Hyundai Engineering & Construction
Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) is a global engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company delivers large-scale infrastructure and energy projects worldwide, including nuclear, power generation, renewable energy and transmission infrastructure. With decades of experience in complex energy projects, Hyundai E&C continues to expand its activities in next-generation energy technologies.
About Thorizon
Thorizon, originally a spin-off from NRG, is an ambitious deep-tech company with offices in Amsterdam and Lyon. The company develops small modular molten-salt reactors designed to deliver clean, reliable energy at competitive cost. Its walk-away safe reactor operates at low pressure and uses long-lived nuclear waste as fuel, a step toward true circularity in nuclear energy. Thorizon collaborates with industry leaders such as Orano, VDL Groep, Tractebel, EPZ and EDF, and its project has been selected by both the European Commission, the European Just Transition Fund and the French government under the France 2030 investment plan.