Peru Elevated to Bilateral Partner in the U.S. Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Program

Date of the Release – September 28  

U.S. Embassy Lima  

The United States welcomes Peru’s elevation to bilateral partner status in the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology (FIRST) program.  The announcement was made on the margins of the FIRST Regional Workshop on the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), held September 28-30, 2026, in Lima, Peru.  The United States and Peru share a commitment to enhance global energy security and accelerate the responsible deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies in Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Peru’s elevation to bilateral partner status reflects the country’s demonstrated commitment to advancing nuclear energy infrastructure and its active engagement in FIRST initiatives throughout the region.  As a bilateral partner, Peru will benefit from enhanced collaboration with the United States and tailored support to facilitate the responsible deployment of SMR technology.  This partnership will enable deeper technical exchanges, training programs, and specialized assistance as Peru explores civil nuclear energy solutions to meet its growing energy needs while maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation. 

The United States looks forward to continuing its partnership with Peru on civil nuclear cooperation, including through the FIRST program, and to supporting Peru’s next steps in developing its civil nuclear energy sector. 

Led by the State Department’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, FIRST is the Department’s flagship program to harness the power of the nuclear industry to expedite responsible nuclear reactor deployment worldwide. FIRST partners with more than 60 countries across five continents exploring civil nuclear energy solutions, including the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, to meet their energy needs while adhering to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation, consistent with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.