Reinforces position in the world's largest nuclear power market
Consecutive contracts expected to strengthen global nuclear supply chain competitiveness
Doosan Enerbility has secured another contract to supply key nuclear power components for a major reactor project in China, further reinforcing its competitiveness in the global nuclear energy market.
The latest order is particularly significant as it marks another successful contract in China, the world's fastest-growing nuclear power market, and is expected to strengthen Doosan's position in the expanding global nuclear supply chain.
According to industry sources on July 27, Doosan Enerbility signed an agreement with Dongfang Electric International (DEI) and Dongfang Heavy Machinery (DFHM), subsidiaries of China's Dongfang Electric Group, to supply ultra-large forgings for the steam generators of Units 5 and 6 at the Laiyang Nuclear Power Plant in Shandong Province.
Under the agreement, Doosan Enerbility will manufacture and deliver a total of eight ultra-large forgings by 2029, including four channel heads and four tube sheets for the plant's steam generators.
Channel heads serve as critical passages through which reactor coolant flows into and out of the steam generator, while tube sheets support thousands of heat transfer tubes and completely separate the reactor coolant from the secondary water system, making them among the most important components of a nuclear steam generator.
The forgings are highly sophisticated products measuring approximately five meters in diameter and weighing up to 130 metric tons each, requiring advanced manufacturing expertise and precision engineering.
Doosan Enerbility manufactures these large-scale nuclear components using one of the world's largest 17,000-ton forging presses and decades of experience in heavy forging technology.
The Laiyang Units 5 and 6 project will utilize China's next-generation CAP1400 nuclear reactor design, a 1,400-megawatt-class reactor developed for large-scale commercial deployment.
The latest contract follows Doosan's successful supply of steam generator forgings for Laiyang Units 3 and 4 last year, demonstrating the company's continued technological competitiveness and product quality in the Chinese nuclear market.
Doosan previously supplied critical forgings for China's Haiyang AP1000 nuclear project, establishing a strong track record for quality, reliability, and on-time delivery.
Kim Jong-doo, President and CEO of Doosan Enerbility, said the new agreement further validates the company's technological capabilities in China's nuclear industry.
"Following our contract for Laiyang Units 3 and 4, securing another agreement to supply key materials for Units 5 and 6 demonstrates that our technology and quality continue to be recognized in the Chinese nuclear market," Kim said. "Leveraging our accumulated manufacturing expertise and world-class large forging technology, we will continue strengthening our competitiveness in the global nuclear supply chain."
Industry analysts believe the contract carries broader significance beyond equipment supply.
As China continues to accelerate construction of new nuclear power plants, Doosan Enerbility's consecutive orders are expected to improve its prospects for participating in future CAP1400 and other reactor projects, providing a stable foundation for long-term overseas revenue growth.
The contract is also expected to benefit South Korea's domestic nuclear manufacturing ecosystem. Since the ultra-large forgings will be produced primarily at Doosan's Changwon facility, the project is likely to generate additional business for local suppliers specializing in materials, machining, and precision manufacturing while supporting regional employment.
The latest project also strengthens Doosan's international credentials as demand for nuclear energy continues to increase worldwide amid decarbonization efforts and growing electricity consumption.
Successful execution of large-scale projects in China is expected to serve as an important reference for future nuclear opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions expanding their nuclear generation capacity.
China is currently pursuing an aggressive nuclear expansion strategy and aims to become the world's largest nuclear power operator by 2035, creating significant long-term opportunities for global suppliers of advanced nuclear equipment.
