Several U.S. nuclear companies have established partnerships with South Korean suppliers to support the development and deployment of conventional and advanced nuclear technologies. Westinghouse has the longest relationship and collaborates with Doosan Enerbility, Hyundai Heavy Industries, and SK Inc. for the supply of reactor pressure vessels, valves, feedwater pumps, steam generators and other components for the AP-1000. These components were used in the Vogtle reactor project in Georgia. NuScale Power works with Doosan Enerbility, GS Energy, and Samsung C&T on small modular reactor (SMR) technology, including pressure vessels and forgings. Samsung C&T may potentially serve as an EPC partner with NuScale in international projects. X-Energy relies on Doosan Enerbility for component fabrication for its Xe-100 reactors. Meanwhile, TerraPower has secured a $250 million investment from SK Group and may source components from Hyosung Heavy Industries, highlighting the growing role of Korean firms in the U.S. advanced nuclear supply chain.
Timeline
The U.S.–ROK nuclear supply chain relationship has deepened over the past two decades. In the 2000s and 2010s, South Korean companies like Doosan Enerbility and Hyundai Heavy Industries supplied essential components such as reactor vessels and steam generators for U.S. nuclear projects, primarily the Westinghouse AP-1000.
In 2019, Doosan took a $60 million equity stake in NuScale Power, signaling a strong commitment to small modular reactor (SMR) development.
Between 2021 and 2022, the partnership expanded into advanced reactors, with Doosan manufacturing SMR components for NuScale and engaging with other U.S. startups, while SK Group and Hyosung initiated talks with TerraPower.
In 2023, X-Energy partnered with Doosan for Xe-100 reactor components, and firms like Samsung C&T and GS Energy emerged as potential partners.
By 2024–2025, the collaboration has evolved into a robust relationship with South Korean firms playing a role in investment, deployment strategies, and project execution.
Jocelyn Livier, Della Ratta Fellow, Partnership for Global Security
