Hyundai E&C shortlisted for nuclear projects in Finland, Slovenia

An aerial view of the AP1000 large nuclear reactor being jointly expanded globally by Hyundai EC and WestinghouseCourtesy of Hyundai EC — An artist's concept for a nuclear reactor to be jointed developed by Hyundai E&C and Westinghouse of the U.S./ Courtesy of Hyundai E&C

SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - Hyundai Engineering & Construction announced Monday that it has been shortlisted for nuclear power projects in Finland and Slovenia, marking a notable advance beyond its existing operations in Bulgaria.

In Finland, a consortium led by Hyundai E&C and Westinghouse Electric Company of the United States was selected as one of three finalists for an Early Works Agreement (EWA) with Fortum, the state-owned Finnish energy firm. The agreement is part of Fortum’s effort to enhance national energy independence through the construction of new nuclear facilities.

Fortum’s selection followed a series of feasibility studies involving several global nuclear technology providers. The Hyundai-Westinghouse consortium will now move forward with detailed site investigations and technical assessments as the project progresses toward full development.

“This project once again demonstrates our strong business capabilities,” Hyundai E&C said in a statement, adding that the company intends to build a “close cooperative relationship with the client” and to establish a competitive edge ahead of the final construction contract.

Simultaneously, the consortium is advancing in Slovenia, where it has been named a finalist for the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 (JEK2) project. The initiative, led by Slovenia’s state-owned GEN Energija, calls for the construction of a new large-scale nuclear reactor adjacent to the existing Unit 1 facility, roughly 80 kilometers east of the capital, Ljubljana.

Hyundai and Westinghouse will conduct layout feasibility studies for the reactor through the third quarter of this year, laying the groundwork for a bid on the future engineering, procurement, and construction contract.

Hyundai E&C entered into a strategic partnership with Westinghouse in 2022 to jointly pursue large-scale nuclear opportunities worldwide. The partnership quickly yielded results, securing a design contract for Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear power plant later that year.

Candice Kim candicekim1121@ajupress.com