Daewoo E&C Wins Contract for Export-Type New Research Reactor Construction

Bird's-eye view of the new export-type research building

Daewoo E&C announced on the 7th that it won the contract on the 5th for the construction of the 'Export-Oriented New Research Reactor and Auxiliary Facilities,' worth a total of 63.2 billion KRW, commissioned by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, together with Hyundai Engineering & Construction and GS Engineering & Construction.

The export-oriented new research reactor construction project, located in the Dongnam Radiation Medical and Scientific General Industrial Complex in Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan Metropolitan City, is a 15MW-class research reactor applying the latest technologies being used for the first time in the world, such as a bottom-driven control device and plate-type nuclear fuel. The project involves constructing an open-pool type reactor from four basement floors to three above-ground floors, along with related systems and utilization facilities.

In this bid conducted through a comprehensive evaluation system, Daewoo E&C formed a consortium with Hyundai E&C (30%) and GS E&C (20%), serving as the lead contractor with a 50% stake (approximately 181.6 billion KRW). The construction period is 60 months from the start date.

Once the so-called 'Gijang Research Reactor,' the export-oriented new research reactor, is built, it will secure domestic supply stability and export production capacity of radioactive isotopes essential for nuclear medicine diagnosis and cancer treatment, which have so far been solely dependent on imports. It is also expected to significantly contribute to the production of high-quality power semiconductors using neutrons. Furthermore, it will provide groundbreaking competitiveness in the global market for research reactor exports.

Since 2012, Daewoo E&C has been the first domestic construction company to acquire operational nuclear power plant design technology (Q-grade) certification, and subsequently obtained certifications for operational nuclear power plant general comprehensive design and KEPIC mechanical and structural nuclear design, securing design capabilities for operating nuclear power plants, new nuclear power plant construction, and decommissioning.

Additionally, Daewoo E&C served as the lead contractor for the main equipment construction of Shin-Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant Units 1 and 2, completing the project, and is currently participating as a construction company in Team Korea for the ongoing Czech nuclear power plant contract bid.

Daewoo E&C is also preparing to enter the emerging nuclear power plant decommissioning market by securing technological capabilities through business agreements with several domestic and international nuclear companies that have actual decommissioning experience and competitiveness in overseas nuclear power plants.

A Daewoo E&C official stated, "With nuclear power included in the EU's Green Taxonomy, the importance of competitiveness in the nuclear field, including commercial nuclear power plants and research reactors, is higher than ever. Winning the contract for the export-oriented new research reactor construction project reaffirms Daewoo E&C's unparalleled technological competitiveness."

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