Doosan Enerbility is poised to play a pivotal role in the evolving small modular reactor (SMR) landscape across Europe, having secured a key strategic partnership with Britain’s Rolls-Royce SMR. This collaboration marks a significant development for the Korean energy firm as it aims to expand its footprint in a market increasingly viewed as critical for the continent’s future energy security and decarbonization efforts. The agreement designates Doosan Enerbility as a strategic manufacturing partner for essential components required in Rolls-Royce SMR projects slated for construction in Great Britain and the Czech Republic. This endeavor represents a substantial commitment to advancing next-generation nuclear technology.
Under the terms of the agreement, Doosan Enerbility will undertake comprehensive manufacturability reviews for major reactor components, a crucial step in ensuring the efficient and reliable production of these advanced systems. The centerpiece of this partnership involves the manufacturing of reactor vessels, a critical element for the planned Rolls-Royce SMR developments. These projects, specifically the Wylfa site in Britain and the Temelín site in the Czech Republic, are considered pivotal initiatives for the widespread adoption of SMR technology in Europe.
Rolls-Royce SMR, established in 2021, is developing a 470-megawatt small modular reactor designed to deliver stable baseload electricity for a operational lifespan of at least 60 years. The company has been making substantial progress in advancing its projects. In April, a contract was signed with Great British Energy-Nuclear, the UK’s state-backed nuclear entity, initiating site-specific design work for three reactors planned at Wylfa. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce SMR has entered into a construction preparation agreement with the Czech energy company ČEZ, advancing licensing procedures and preliminary design work for the Temelín project.
Kim Jong-doo, head of Doosan Enerbility’s Nuclear Business Group, emphasized the significance of this partnership, viewing it as a crucial milestone in broadening the company’s role within the global SMR supply chain. Doosan Enerbility plans to leverage its extensive expertise in manufacturing nuclear power plant equipment to support the successful realization of Rolls-Royce SMR projects.
To strengthen its competitive edge in the SMR sector, Doosan Enerbility has been actively enhancing its production capabilities. The company is proceeding with plans to establish a dedicated SMR factory at its Changwon headquarters. This facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies, including powder metallurgy hot isostatic pressing, aimed at improving the efficiency of producing critical reactor components.
