2026.10.20

 

National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan signed a collaboration agreement on October 19 with NuCube Energy, a U.S.-based developer of Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs). The two parties will engage in technical exchanges and feasibility assessments concerning the development, research applications, and potential deployment of MMR technology.

 

NTHU has played a vital role in Taiwan's nuclear science education and technological research for more than 60 years. Its Tsing Hua Open-Pool Reactor (THOR), located on campus, has been in operation for over 65 years and is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2040. To ensure the continuity of nuclear education, research, and medical applications, NTHU has decided, following site visits and extensive evaluations, to work with NuCube Energy to further assess the feasibility of deploying an MMR on campus.

 

MMRs are a new generation of small nuclear reactors characterized by their compact size, modular design, and ability to be prefabricated and assembled in factories. They incorporate passive systems to enhance safety and, depending on their configurations, can also support scientific research and other non-power applications.

 

NTHU President W. John Kao (高為元) said that Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, in its 2030 Energy Transition White Paper released in June 2026, stated that the government would maintain an open approach toward emerging nuclear technologies, continue monitoring international developments, and evaluate new nuclear technologies suitable for Taiwan. Kao emphasized that NTHU is the only university in Taiwan to possess comprehensive facilities and capabilities for nuclear education and research. He added that the university has a responsibility to advance education and technological development in this field.

 

Professor Tsung-Kuang Yeh (葉宗洸), dean of NTHU's College of Nuclear Science, said that NuCube Energy has signed a collaboration agreement with Idaho State University and plans to deploy the first 1-megawatt (MW) NuSun-1 MMR in the United States at the university in 2029 to support nuclear education and research. NTHU plans to use MMR technology to advance the development of new nuclear energy technologies in Taiwan. In addition to maintaining its existing education and research activities, NTHU intends to work closely with NuCube Energy to explore additional MMR applications in nuclear medicine, including boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), as well as isotope production.

 

Yeh also said that NTHU welcomes and encourages Taiwan's mechanical and electrical equipment manufacturers to complete preliminary preparations and work together with NTHU to supply materials, equipment and components for potential MMR-related projects at the university. Such cooperation will strengthen the capabilities of domestic suppliers and manufacturers as well as increase their opportunities to participate in the nuclear energy industry, benefiting both academia and industry.

 

NTHU could also serve as a demonstration site for future applications of MMRs or small modular reactors (SMRs) in energy-intensive industries. The university could share its experience in reactor deployment, key nuclear safety considerations, technical expertise and even information concerning qualified personnel with interested industries. This would align with the government's new energy policy encouraging businesses to generate their own electricity while supporting the expansion of low-carbon and reliable power supplies in Taiwan.

 

The collaboration agreement between NTHU and NuCube Energy has drawn attention and support from government agencies and industry representatives in both Taiwan and the United States. NTHU hopes to have an MMR delivered and installed on campus within two years of NuCube Energy beginning commercial operations in the United States, marking a first step toward the adoption of next-generation nuclear technology in Taiwan.

 

The agreement was signed by NTHU President W. John Kao and NuCube Energy CEO Cristian Rabiti at a press conference. Attendees included NTHU Vice President Po-Wen Chiu; Dean of Student Affairs Shun-Chi Wu; Dean of the College of Nuclear Science Tsung-Kuang Yeh; Chair of the Department of Engineering and System Science Fan-Yi Ouyang; Director of the Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Science ; Director of the Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center Rong-Jiun Sheu; Associate Professor Kuan-Che Lan of the Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Science; NuCube Energy's overseas advisor James Tu; and Eddie Yen, a representative of the Idaho State Government's Taipei Office.