EPC Firms Emerge as Strategic Partners in Nuclear Development
On July 29, 2025, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Samsung C&T signed an MoU to explore and invest in international nuclear projects, targeting new builds, restarts, M&A, and SMR rollouts across key markets.
The role of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms in nuclear project development is evolving from builders to strategic partners. Two recent collaborations illustrate this shift.
In Poland, Bechtel and Westinghouse are working together on the country’s first nuclear power plant, a project estimated at $49 billion. The partnership combines reactor design expertise with world-class construction capabilities, offering integrated delivery for the host government.
In the Middle East, Samsung C&T has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC). The two firms plan to explore cooperation on both large-scale plants and SMRs, with potential applications in nuclear-powered hydrogen development. ENEC brings operational experience from the UAE’s $29 billion Barakah plant, while Samsung contributes large-scale construction expertise.
For governments and utilities in Asia, these alliances point to a new model where EPCs act not only as contractors but also as strategic collaborators, providing continuity from project inception through long-term operations.
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