Construction of Korea’s First Nuclear Power Plant ‘Kori Unit 1’... The Living History of K-Nuclear Power

[Rebuilding K-Construction] Hyundai Engineering & Construction
Constructed 63% of Domestic Nuclear Power Plants
Simultaneous Construction of 10 Units, Including Barakah Units 1?4 in the UAE and Shin Hanul Units 1 and 2

Hyundai Engineering & Construction is a living history of 'K-Nuclear Power,' having constructed approximately 63% of South Korea's nuclear power plants, beginning with the construction of Kori Unit 1, the nation's first nuclear power plant, in 1971. From 1971 to the present, the company has never once stopped building nuclear power plants for more than five years. In the early 2010s, Hyundai Engineering & Construction even managed the simultaneous construction of ten nuclear reactors, including Units 1 to 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, Shin Hanul Units 1 and 2, Saeul Units 1 and 2, and Shin Kori Units 1 and 2.

Ranked as the world's second-largest company in the nuclear power sector by ENR in 2023, Hyundai Engineering & Construction holds the distinction of being the first Korean construction firm to have built both pressurized water reactors (PWR) and pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR). A pressurized water reactor uses low-enriched uranium (2-5%) as fuel and light water as coolant, while a pressurized heavy water reactor uses natural uranium fuel and heavy water as coolant, allowing for refueling during operation.

Based on this expertise, last year Hyundai Engineering & Construction became the only global company among the bidders for Bulgaria's new Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant project (two new 1,100 MW units) to meet all the stringent prequalification requirements, passing the prequalification (PQ) review independently. Competing against global giants such as Bechtel and Fluor, the company was recognized for its technical capabilities and project execution skills.

Units 1 to 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE, constructed by Hyundai Engineering & Construction. Photo by Hyundai Engineering & Construction

In South Korea, Hyundai Engineering & Construction once again proved itself as a leading nuclear power plant builder by securing the Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 project. Holding a 55% stake, Hyundai Engineering & Construction served as the lead contractor for the project and, despite submitting the highest price, received the top score in the technical proposal evaluation, ultimately being selected as the final contractor. This result reflects recognition of the company's technology and quality-focused construction philosophy.

Earlier this month, Hyundai Engineering & Construction recruited Michael Kuhn, former Vice President of Westinghouse, who is expected to play a key role in expanding overseas nuclear power business, particularly in North America. His responsibilities include identifying new nuclear projects, securing contracts, advising on local project management and licensing, and expanding networks with the U.S. government and international partner companies.

Michael Kuhn has accumulated international experience in countries such as Bulgaria, Finland, the UAE, and China. He is also known for his deep understanding of the Korean nuclear power industry, having been involved in the design, licensing, equipment procurement, and construction support for projects such as Hanbit Units 3 to 6, Hanul Units 3 and 4, and Saeul Units 1 and 2. As an executive in charge of technical sales, he is expected to contribute to Bulgaria's nuclear EPC contract, provide technical advice on design and construction, and help devise bidding strategies for North America and Europe.

A company representative stated, "We expect that the fresh perspectives of world-class professionals, along with essential insights for entering new markets and developing new business, will become the key driving force for Hyundai Engineering & Construction to emerge as a game changer in the global nuclear power market."