HD Hyundai to Collaborate with US TerraPower on Developing Core SMR Equipment

Reactor Vessel Manufacturing Project Awarded
Utilizing HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Vessel Technology
"Leading the Next-Generation Power Source SMR Sector"

HD Hyundai is set to actively engage in the development of core equipment for small modular reactors (SMR) in collaboration with TerraPower in the United States.

On the 20th, HD Hyundai announced that it had secured a contract from TerraPower to manufacture cylindrical reactor vessels. This project focuses on supplying key equipment for the 345MW-class 4th generation sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) 'Natrium,' which TerraPower is constructing in Kemmerer, Wyoming, USA.

An aerial view of the 345 MW fourth-generation sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) 'Natrium' to be installed by TerraPower in Kemmerer, Wyoming, USA. Provided by HD Hyundai

The Natrium project aims for completion by 2030 after obtaining construction and operation permits from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The reactor vessel, which HD Hyundai is responsible for manufacturing, safely contains the core where nuclear fission reactions occur and plays a role in maintaining the coolant under high-temperature, low-pressure conditions stably.

Previously, Doosan Enerbility participated in the Natrium project by signing design support and manufacturing contracts for three major equipment types: reactor containment vessel, reactor support structures, and core barrel structures.

In carrying out this project, HD Hyundai plans to actively utilize the expertise accumulated by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries through its involvement in the development and manufacturing of vacuum vessels, which are key core equipment for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and the Korean Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) fusion devices.

The SFR is a type of SMR that uses fast neutrons to induce nuclear fission reactions and employs liquid sodium as a coolant to generate electricity. It boasts superior safety compared to conventional reactors and produces nuclear waste at about 1/20th the amount, making it a promising next-generation reactor.

An HD Hyundai official stated, "Based on the know-how accumulated through the ITER and KSTAR projects, we will lead the SMR field, which is gaining attention as a next-generation power source."