SK, HD Hyundai, Doosan race to recruit SMR talent as AI power demand surges

An aerial rendering of the fourth-generation sodium-cooled fast reactor that TerraPower plans to build in Kemmerer, Wyoming. [HD Hyundai]

HD Hyundai has joined SK Group and Doosan in an aggressive push to recruit small modular reactor talent, intensifying a three-way race among South Korea's industrial conglomerates to capture a share of the global SMR market.

According to industry sources Wednesday, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' marine energy business division is accepting applications for experienced SMR hires through Aug. 23. Open positions include project management, detailed design and quality control.

Applicants must have at least 10 years of experience in the nuclear power sector and prior involvement in nuclear main component manufacturing projects; candidates with experience on US nuclear projects will receive preferential consideration. Those selected are expected to handle integrated management of SMR manufacturing processes, detailed design of SMR main components, and development of SMR quality systems.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is already manufacturing a cylindrical reactor vessel under contract from US SMR developer TerraPower. In May, it was named the preferred negotiating partner for manufacturing and supplying key equipment for TerraPower's sodium reactor main components. The new hires are expected to help the company accelerate its broader SMR business, including equipment manufacturing.

TerraPower founder Bill Gates (fourth from left) and TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque (fifth from left) attend a groundbreaking ceremony for a TerraPower fourth-generation SMR demonstration complex in Wyoming in 2024. [SK Group]

SK Group and Doosan are also investing heavily in SMR talent. SK Innovation, an SK Group affiliate, ran an experienced-hire recruitment drive for SMR business development over roughly a month starting in April; those hired are now working on pre-licensing preparation and regulatory affairs. Doosan Enerbility has been continuously bringing on staff for overseas SMR sales and project management.

The recruitment push reflects a strategic bet that SMR will emerge as the defining power source of the AI era. Large-scale data centers and other AI infrastructure require a stable, reliable electricity supply, and SMR has emerged as a leading answer to that need.

SMR component manufacturing facilities at Doosan Enerbility's factory in Changwon. [Doosan Enerbility]

Unlike renewable energy sources, SMRs can generate electricity steadily and produce low carbon emissions. At roughly one-tenth the size of a conventional large nuclear plant, they are also easier to site near centers of power demand. Market research firm MarketsandMarkets projects the global SMR market will grow to more than 630 trillion won ($445 billion) by 2040. The United States, China and South Korea are all accelerating SMR development, and the World Nuclear Association counts more than 70 SMR projects currently under way worldwide.

Competition among SK, HD Hyundai and Doosan for a leading position in the SMR market is expected to intensify. SK is anticipated to deepen its collaboration with TerraPower, in which SK and SK Innovation have both taken equity stakes; TerraPower received approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in March to build a commercial advanced nuclear plant.

HD Hyundai likewise plans to expand its business cooperation with TerraPower, building on its SMR demonstration construction experience. HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun met with TerraPower founder Bill Gates earlier this year to discuss collaboration. Doosan Enerbility, meanwhile, is pursuing construction of a dedicated SMR factory in Changwon.

yeongdai@heraldcorp.com