Samsung C&T's construction division (hereafter Samsung C&T) is intensifying its attack on the global small modular reactor (SMR) market by utilizing a construction method that builds SMR structures module by module.
Samsung C&T announced on the 28th that it successfully completed a modularization demonstration of steel-concrete wall structures (SC·Steel-Composite) for SMR in collaboration with Japan's leading heavy industry corporation, IHI.
On the 27th, Samsung C&T held an event at IHI's factory in Yokohama, Japan, showcasing the modularization demonstration of steel-concrete wall structures and delivering completed products, attended by representatives from Romania's SMR project owner, RPower, as well as Fluor and NuScale from the United States and IHI from Japan.
Typically, wall structures for nuclear power plants were built on-site by forming molds and pouring rebar and concrete; however, Samsung C&T collaborated with IHI to fabricate a steel-concrete wall by inserting concrete between pre-manufactured steel plates, significantly enhancing safety.
In particular, the modularization approach was applied to align with the characteristics of SMR projects, where time and expense are directly linked to business performance, allowing for off-site pre-manufacturing followed by assembly on-site. The steel-concrete modular construction method is recognized as key technology in SMR construction as it enables ▲safety ▲time reduction ▲quality improvement ▲cost reduction.
Samsung C&T is jointly involved in the basic design (FEED) of the Romania SMR project. Kyu-Won Seok, head of Samsung C&T's nuclear power division (executive director), noted, "Through the SC module demonstration, we once again proved our technological capability and execution strength in the SMR construction field," adding, "We will leverage this achievement as a stepping stone not only for the successful execution of the Romania SMR project but also to secure a competitive edge in the expanding global SMR market."