Hyundai E&C Begins Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for New Nuclear Power Plants in the Netherlands

Hyundai E&C is continuing to expand its presence in the European nuclear power market by participating in the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase of a new large-scale nuclear power plant project in the Netherlands.

Hyundai E&C announced that it signed a Phase 1 Front-End Engineering Design (FEED 1)^[1] contract with Westinghouse on Wednesday, October 7, for the construction of new large-scale nuclear power plants in the Netherlands.

The contract forms part of the FEED 1 project awarded to Westinghouse by the Dutch nuclear energy authority. As Westinghouse’s partner, Hyundai E&C will carry out FEED phase and project assessments for the construction of two large-scale nuclear reactors based on Westinghouse’s AP1000^[2] reactor design.

NEO NL (Nuclear Energy Organization Netherlands) is a state-owned agency established by the Dutch government to implement its policy on the development of new nuclear power plants. The agency oversees nuclear power project development and preparations for future plant operations. The Dutch government has made the development of new nuclear power plants a key priority of its national energy strategy to ensure a stable electricity supply and achieve carbon neutrality. Accordingly, NEO NL plays a central role throughout the entire project lifecycle, including project development, regulatory licensing, and the establishment of operational frameworks.

FEED 1 represents the initial engineering design phase of the new nuclear power plant project, during which Hyundai E&C will undertake key activities to adapt the AP1000 reactor design to the Netherlands. Hyundai E&C will ▲ conduct technical assessments of candidate sites, ▲ develop a master plan, and ▲ formulate a project execution strategy. In collaboration with Westinghouse, the company will carry out a comprehensive review of local laws and regulations, licensing requirements, technical standards, and project schedules. Hyundai E&C will also develop mitigation measures for key project risks and localization strategies to lay the groundwork for successful project execution.

The Dutch government is conducting technical and environmental reviews of potential sites for the new nuclear power plants. Westinghouse, which has been shortlisted as one of the final technology candidates, plans to work with Hyundai E&C on follow-up design work that reflects site characteristics and licensing requirements, in order to finalize the project implementation plan and construction strategy.

Prior to signing this contract, Hyundai E&C had actively pursued collaborative initiatives related to the new nuclear power plant project in the Netherlands. In June, the company co-hosted the “Netherlands Supplier Symposium” with Westinghouse, engaging with local government officials, industry representatives, and nuclear power companies to establish a collaborative network and strengthen the supply chain.

Hyundai E&C and Westinghouse have maintained a strong partnership across a wide range of global nuclear power projects. Throughout the FEED phase, the two companies plan to leverage their combined technical expertise and project execution capabilities to support the successful delivery of the new nuclear power plant project in the Netherlands, while further strengthening their partnership for participation in subsequent project phases.

A Hyundai E&C official stated, “Through our participation in FEED 1, we expect to contribute to the successful development of the new nuclear power plant project in the Netherlands and position ourselves as a competitive project partner for subsequent phases.” The official added, “Building on our extensive design and construction expertise in large-scale nuclear power plants, we will enhance the overall quality of project delivery and continue to expand business opportunities in the European nuclear power market.”

Meanwhile, Hyundai E&C is strengthening its presence in Europe by expanding its nuclear power business across key markets, including a design contract for the Kozloduy nuclear power plant project in Bulgaria, a technical feasibility study (TFS) for a new nuclear power plant project in Slovenia, and an early works agreement for a new nuclear power plant construction project in Finland.

^{[1] FEED 1 (Front-End Engineering Design 1): The basic design phase in which elements such as technical feasibility, design conditions, construction scope, and schedule are reviewed and defined at the early stage of a project
[2] AP1000: A Generation III pressurized water reactor (PWR) of approximately 1,100 MWe, developed by U.S.-based Westinghouse}