DL E&C to Enter the SMR Business
DATE 2022.07.20
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DL E&C to Enter the SMR Business
Bird’s-eye view of IMSR power plant being developed by Terrestrial Energy
DL E&C will enter the SMR (small modular reactor) business, which is gaining attention as a decarbonization energy source. The company announced on July 20 that it signed an MOU for the SMR development and design, procurement, and construction (EPC) business with Canada’s Terrestrial Energy.
Established in 2012, Terrestrial Energy is developing the next-generation SMR IMSR (integral molten salt reactor) as its flagship model. A molten salt reactor is a mode using molten salt* in a type wherein nuclear fuel is liquefied in the coolant, and it is also called liquid fuel reactor.
Terrestrial Energy is the most advanced among the fourth-generation reactor developers in the authorization/approval phase, and it is quickly propelling the business including receiving government support and private funding. Having developed the first commercial IMSR, the company targets commercial operation in 2031.
▣ IMSR’s safety is excellent, and it can supply electricity and heat source.
The IMSR is designed for molten salt in liquid state to harden immediately if exposed to the atmosphere; hence its outstanding safety. Because water is not used as coolant, the structure is simpler than the existing reactors. A pressurizer that maintains high pressure of 150 psi or higher and does not make water (coolant) boil at high temperatures of 300℃ or higher is not installed. No pressure that maintains facilities, such as thick pressure vessel or huge containment vessel, is necessary because the IMSR is operated at atmospheric pressure.
The IMSR being developed by Terrestrial Energy is manufactured through complete sealing by integrating nuclear fuel, moderator, and heat exchanger in the steel vessel. If installed, the IMSR can supply heat source to industrial facilities and produce 390MW electric power.
▣ DL E&C reinforces new eco-friendly business portfolio through SMR.
DL E&C has a strategy for fostering SMR as a future growth engine. The company plans to propel the development of IMSR that can supply industrial electricity and heat source alongside Terrestrial Energy in linkage with the petrochemical plant development business where the company is strong.
The company plans to seek new energy technology development to realize carbon neutrality by connecting the SMR business with green hydrogen and ammonia production. The IMSR can utilize the high temperatures of steam generated in the electricity production process for the production of green hydrogen and ammonia. DL E&C has a track record in reformed and byproduct hydrogen production plant design and construction in Korea and abroad. Currently, the company is carrying out Saudi’s Ma’aden Ammonia Plant project, the world’s largest ammonia production plant using natural gas.
“We expect to enter the global SMR markets including North America through the partnership with Terrestrial Energy, a leading company in next-generation nuclear power technology. DL E&C will propel decarbonization energy source development in connection with the hydrogen and ammonia value chain,” DL E&C Plant Biz Director Yu Jae-ho explained.
Terrestrial Energy CEO Simon Irish expects the collaboration with DL E&C, which boasts of extensive experience in performing various projects in the global markets, to advance the IMSR commercialization further.
