Doosan Skoda Power Emerges as a Bridgehead for Entry into the European Nuclear Power Market

Following Czech Nuclear Plant, Poland and Others
Expected to Lead European Nuclear Market Expansion

On the 20th (local time), at Doosan Skoda Power (Plzen, Czech Republic), a subsidiary of Doosan Enerbility, President Yoon Suk-yeol (front row, right) is entering guided by Park Jung-won, Chairman of Doosan Group (front row, left), during the 'Korea-Czech Nuclear Power Full-Cycle Cooperation Agreement Ceremony.' Photo by Doosan Enerbility

Doosan Enerbility's Czech subsidiary, Doosan ?koda Power, is expected to play a pivotal role as a bridgehead for Korea's entry into the European nuclear power market.

On the 22nd, according to Doosan Enerbility and industry sources, on the 20th, the heads of state of Korea and the Czech Republic, along with key government and nuclear power industry figures, visited the headquarters of Doosan ?koda Power located in Plze?, about 90 km from Prague, Czech Republic. The nuclear power industry, including Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), held a 'Korea-Czech Nuclear Power Full-Cycle Cooperation Agreement Ceremony' under the watchful eyes of both heads of state, agreeing to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the nuclear power sector.

Doosan ?koda Power signed a business agreement with KHNP and Doosan Enerbility to supply steam turbines for Czech nuclear power plants. This agreement pertains to supplying steam turbines produced by Doosan ?koda Power to the Dukovany nuclear power plant once the final contract is signed. Other nuclear power plant equipment will be produced and supplied from Korea.

Currently, several European countries, including Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, are either pursuing new nuclear power plants or planning their construction. Korea plans to use this Czech nuclear power contract as a stepping stone to expand into other European countries, increasing the potential role of Doosan ?koda Power located in Europe. With a history spanning over 150 years, Doosan ?koda Power has already supplied 26 steam turbines for nuclear power plants in three countries?Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Finland?and has supplied more than 540 steam turbines to the global power generation market to date.

Moreover, Doosan ?koda Power plans to receive generator technology transferred from Doosan Enerbility, which is expected to further enhance its nuclear power project capabilities. To support the Czech nuclear power contract, Doosan Enerbility held a 'Doosan Partnership Day' event in Prague last May, announcing plans to invest approximately 200 billion KRW in transferring generator technology to Doosan ?koda Power. Upon completion of the technology transfer, Doosan ?koda Power will be able to independently produce generators for various power plants, including Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and combined cycle power plants, starting in 2029. As a key component of power plants, the generator is connected on the same shaft as the turbine rotor and converts the turbine's rotational energy (mechanical energy) into electrical energy.

An employee is inspecting a steam turbine at Doosan Skoda Power, Doosan Enerbility's Czech subsidiary located in Plzen, Czech Republic. Photo by Doosan Enerbility

In June, the two companies conducted internal reviews regarding the factory status, existing equipment, and technology transfer schedule to facilitate the transfer of generator technology and investment in factory facilities. In July, design and production engineers from Doosan ?koda Power visited Doosan Enerbility's generator factory at the Changwon headquarters to inspect the actual equipment and discuss production feasibility and investment plans.

Amid the Czech nuclear power project, this business cooperation and the recent visit by the heads of state have created an encouraging atmosphere among Doosan ?koda Power employees, who are showing great enthusiasm for the nuclear power business. Daniel Proch?zka, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Doosan ?koda Power, said, "We are very pleased that the Korean president personally visited here with the Czech prime minister at the time of the main negotiations for the Czech nuclear power project. Thanks to the support, we expect good results, and if the industries of both countries, including Doosan ?koda Power, cooperate well, we can achieve more success in the European nuclear power market."

Chairman Park Ji-won stated, "We expect that securing technology through Doosan ?koda Power will significantly strengthen the nuclear competitiveness of both countries. Since nuclear power projects are long-term endeavors spanning 100 years, considering construction, operation, and life extension, Doosan will always be a reliable partner throughout."

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