New U.S. Investment Law Takes Effect, K-Nuclear Firms Poised to Benefit

Doosan Enerbility steam turbine [Photo=Doosan Enerbility]

On June 18, the Special Law on U.S. Investment will take effect, positioning K-nuclear companies as key beneficiaries. As the U.S. expands investments in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and advanced manufacturing, there are expectations that the $350 billion investment agreement with South Korea will lead to an expansion of nuclear power.
According to industry sources, the law will provide a legal framework for implementing the $350 billion investment agreed upon by the U.S. and South Korea. It includes the establishment of the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Corporation and the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Fund. The government emphasizes that U.S. investments should be driven by commercial viability and focus on national interests, including economic development and industrial competitiveness.
While specific investment targets have not been disclosed, the growing investment in U.S. AI data centers makes nuclear power a strong candidate. As electricity demand rises and supply struggles to keep pace, reliable power sources are becoming increasingly important. Renewable energy alone cannot meet 24-hour electricity needs, making nuclear power and small modular reactors (SMRs) attractive as low-carbon baseload power sources.
In this context, Doosan Enerbility, a leading South Korean company capable of manufacturing key nuclear components such as reactors and steam generators, is drawing attention. The company has established large-scale forging facilities and automated welding systems for SMRs at its headquarters in Changwon, allowing for immediate production once designs are finalized, giving it a competitive edge.
The U.S. nuclear market is not only focused on new large reactors but also on SMRs, extending the lifespan of existing reactors, and enhancing power infrastructure. Doosan Enerbility is involved in various next-generation nuclear technologies, including light-water SMRs, sodium-cooled fast reactors, high-temperature gas reactors, and maintenance technologies. Analysts suggest that if U.S. investment projects expand into SMRs or next-generation nuclear power, Doosan Enerbility could play a significant role in the supply chain based on its diverse portfolio.
Jung Beom-jin, a professor of nuclear engineering at Kyung Hee University, stated, "One of the areas where South Korea can minimize losses during the U.S. investment process is nuclear energy investment. Our manufacturing sector is strong enough, and we can expect investment funds to flow back into the domestic economy." He added, "Doosan Enerbility is connected with over 800 partner companies, so the benefits could extend to smaller suppliers as well."

* This article has been translated by AI.