According to industry sources, the new law provides a legal framework for executing the $350 billion investment agreed upon by the two countries. It includes the establishment of the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Corporation and the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Fund. The South Korean government emphasizes that investments in the U.S. should ensure commercial viability and focus on national interests, including economic development and industrial competitiveness.
While specific investment targets have not yet been disclosed, the increasing investments in U.S. AI data centers position nuclear power as a strong candidate. As electricity demand rises and supply struggles to keep pace, reliable power sources are becoming increasingly important. Renewable energy alone cannot meet 24-hour electricity demands, making nuclear power and small modular reactors (SMRs) attractive options for low-carbon baseload power.
In this context, Doosan Enerbility is drawing attention as a key player among Korean companies. Doosan Enerbility is a leading domestic manufacturer capable of producing essential nuclear power equipment such as reactors and steam generators. The company has established large-scale forging facilities and automated welding systems dedicated to SMRs at its headquarters in Changwon, allowing for immediate production once designs are finalized, giving it a competitive edge.
The U.S. nuclear market is not only focused on new large reactors but also on SMRs, extending the lifespan of existing reactors, and enhancing power infrastructure. Doosan Enerbility is involved in various next-generation nuclear technologies, including light-water SMRs, sodium-cooled fast reactors, high-temperature gas reactors, and maintenance technologies. Analysts suggest that if U.S. investment projects expand into SMRs or next-generation nuclear power, Doosan Enerbility could play a significant role in the supply chain based on its diverse portfolio.
Jung Bum-jin, a professor of nuclear engineering at Kyung Hee University, stated, "One of the areas where South Korea can minimize losses in the U.S. investment process is nuclear energy investment. The manufacturing sector is within our capabilities, and we can expect investment funds to flow back into the domestic economy." He added, "Doosan Enerbility is connected to over 800 partner companies, so the benefits could extend to small and medium-sized suppliers as well."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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