DL E&C invests 25 billion KRW in US SMR company

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Kim] DL E&C announced on the 18th that it has decided to make a strategic investment in X-Energy, a U.S. developer of small modular reactors (SMRs).

Perspective view of the Xe-100 power plant (Provided by DL E&C)

DL E&C will invest $20 million (approximately 25 billion KRW) to acquire convertible bonds issued by X-Energy. X-Energy is preparing to be listed on the U.S. stock market in April this year, and its post-listing corporate value is estimated to exceed $2 billion (approximately 2.5 trillion KRW). Doosan Enerbility, a domestic nuclear main equipment company, is also participating in this strategic investment.

X-Energy is recognized as a leader in the generation IV SMR sector using non-water-based coolants. In particular, it is considered the leading developer in the high-temperature gas reactor (HTGR) field. The flagship model under development by X-Energy, the ‘Xe-100,’ consists of four modules each with a single capacity of 80 MWe, totaling a power generation capacity of 320 MWe. It is characterized by using high-temperature helium gas as the coolant and employs tennis ball-sized nuclear fuel with triple coating that remains stable without melting even at 1800℃. Additionally, the high heat of about 600℃ generated during operation can be used as a heat source for industrial plants, providing advantages in securing various demand sources beyond power supply.

DL E&C plans to collaborate with X-Energy in developing SMR plant business and strengthen its competitiveness in the energy sector. In particular, DL E&C intends to expand its eco-friendly new business portfolio through the SMR business. The high heat exceeding 600℃ generated during SMR operation can be utilized for producing eco-friendly energy sources such as hydrogen and ammonia.

Yoo Jae-ho, Head of DL E&C’s Plant Business Division, said, "X-Energy’s SMR technology can be applied to various industries, and synergy effects with DL E&C’s plant business are expected." He added, "We will actively promote the development of eco-friendly energy sources such as hydrogen and ammonia by combining our BIM and modular plant design technologies with the SMR business."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.