Industry

SMRs emerge as 24-7 power option for semiconductor fabs

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a power alternative for semiconductor clusters as electricity demand rises with new fabs while the government reduces coal and LNG generation. Industry is reviewing building SMRs near chip plants because they can provide steady 24-hour output. Power supply is urgently needed for new clusters in Yongin and the southwest, but domestic SMR deployment is expected to lag fab completion. Licensing and planning timelines remain uncertain.

Industry

GM to close Michigan plant that made Cadillac batteries in summer 2027

General Motors will close its Brownstown battery assembly plant in Michigan in the summer of 2027 as electric vehicle demand slows and the automaker reshapes its production strategy. The facility has produced high-voltage batteries for the Cadillac Celestiq and components for the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. Headcount has fallen to fewer than 12. GM has also exited battery joint venture plans in Indiana and a Lansing project, and ended fuel-cell cooperation with Honda.