Aims to Become Top Partner Like TSMC in Semiconductor Industry

"We will be a business partner that participates from the initial stages of our clients' small modular reactor (SMR) development and provides a highly refined product. If compared to the semiconductor industry, we aim to become a top foundry company like Taiwan's TSMC, which turns clients' designs into products."

Kim Jong-woo, head of SMR sales and business management at Doosan Enerbility, made these remarks at the '2025 Gyeongnam SMR International Conference' held at the Changwon Convention Center on the 28th. In the first session themed "K-SMR Outlook," Kim introduced Doosan Enerbility's strengths and business strategies.

There are estimated to be over 100 SMRs under development worldwide. Doosan Enerbility highlighted its strengths in SMR module production, as it manufactures key components such as reactors, steam generators, turbines, and generators for large-scale nuclear power plants.

Kim stated, "We recognized the potential of SMRs early and entered the market, giving us a competitive edge over other companies. Leveraging our accumulated capabilities, we aim to transition from a simple manufacturer to a business partner involved from the early stages of SMR development."

Currently, Doosan Enerbility is developing an innovative SMR (i-SMR) domestically and collaborating closely with overseas companies such as NuScale Power, X-energy, and TerraPower.

He emphasized the importance of supply chains for stable product delivery. Kim added, "Doosan Enerbility has over 800 domestic partner companies. If we assume a single large-scale nuclear power plant project, approximately 400 partners participate, with about 60% located in Gyeongnam Province. We will continue to collaborate smoothly to achieve better results."

Kim Han-gon, head of the i-SMR Technology Development Business Unit, also participated in the lecture on "K-SMR Outlook." The Korean SMR project is a national initiative led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the Ministry of Science and ICT, with participation from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Doosan Enerbility, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Samsung C&T, and other private companies.

Kim explained, "The current goal is to complete technology development by 2028 and commence operation in 2035 to generate electricity. If the power generation cost reaches 100-120 Korean won per kilowatt-hour (kWh), it could replace natural gas power generation." He added, "While many countries and companies are interested in i-SMR, they remain skeptical about being the first customer. Although there are numerous SMRs worldwide, who succeeds first is most critical. We will ensure a successful track record."

Doosan Enerbility Targets SMR Foundry Leadership