DL E&C is accelerating its entry into the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) business, which is attracting attention as a decarbonized energy source.
DL E&C announced on January 18th that it has decided to make a strategic investment in X-Energy, an American SMR developer.
DL E&C will invest $20 million (approximately KRW 25 billion) to acquire convertible bonds issued by X-Energy. Doosan Enerbility, a South Korean nuclear power equipment company, also participates in this strategic investment.
X-Energy is recognized as a leader in the non-light water reactor type 4th generation SMR field that applies a new coolant other than water. In particular, it is considered one of the most advanced developers in the field of high-temperature gas reactor (HTGR).
"Xe-100", a representative model being developed by X-Energy, consists of four modules with a single capacity of 80MWe, with a total power generation capacity of 320MWe. It uses hot helium gas as a coolant.
Recognized for the stability and economic feasibility of SMR technology, X-Energy succeeded in attracting continuous private investment along with large-scale funding (1.2 billion dollars) from the US government.
This enterprise value is estimated to exceed 2 billion dollars (approximately 2.5 trillion won).
DL E&C plans to cooperate with X-Energy in the development of SMR plant business in the future and further expand opportunities and competitiveness in the energy business field.
In addition, the company is promoting the expansion of its eco-friendly new business portfolio through the SMR business. This is because the high heat of over 600℃ generated during SMR operation can be used to produce hydrogen and ammonia, another eco-friendly energy source.
DL E&C has experience in carrying out reforming and by-product hydrogen production plants from design to construction at home and abroad.
