Daewoo Engineering & Construction is strategically expanding its presence in the energy infrastructure sector, anticipating that the surging power demands from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers will unlock significant opportunities in liquefied natural gas (LNG), nuclear power, and small modular reactors (SMRs).
The company highlighted that the rapid global expansion of generative AI is not only boosting demand for advanced data center construction but also intensifying the need for a robust and reliable electricity supply.
Strengthening the Global LNG Value Chain
Daewoo E&C proudly positions itself as the only Korean construction company with extensive experience across the entire LNG value chain. This comprehensive expertise spans central processing facilities, state-of-the-art liquefaction plants, and critical LNG storage and receiving terminals.
Its impressive international portfolio includes the successful completion of 11 LNG liquefaction trains in Nigeria, notably Trains 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. The company has also delivered major gas processing projects, such as the CAFC project in Algeria and the Gbaran Infill project in Nigeria.
The landmark Train 7 project was particularly significant as it marked the first instance where a Korean builder served as the primary engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for a natural gas liquefaction plant.
Domestically, Daewoo E&C has constructed 25 LNG storage tanks and successfully completed all three phases of the Ulsan Bukhang LNG Terminal. Furthermore, the company is actively expanding its global footprint in Mozambique, recognized as one of the world’s rapidly emerging LNG suppliers.
Daewoo E&C asserts that its profound LNG expertise is perfectly suited to develop integrated power infrastructure solutions for AI data centers, efficiently combining gas-fired electricity generation with adjacent data center campuses.
Expanding a Robust Nuclear Energy Portfolio
Additionally, Daewoo E&C is significantly strengthening its nuclear business, encompassing a wide range of services from nuclear plant construction and specialized decommissioning to radioactive waste facilities and advanced research reactors.
The company is a key participant as the lead construction contractor in Team Korea’s bid for the Czech Dukovany Units 5 and 6 nuclear power project, showcasing its international capabilities.
With a legacy dating back to its work on the Wolsong Units 3 and 4 nuclear plants in 1991, Daewoo E&C has contributed to over 30 nuclear projects worldwide. Its achievements include completing Jordan’s research reactor project, marking the first overseas nuclear reactor export led by a Korean private company. Currently, Daewoo E&C is spearheading the construction of a next-generation research reactor in Gijang, Busan.
The company is also actively targeting the burgeoning global nuclear decommissioning market, leveraging its proven design capabilities gained from the decommissioning of Wolsong Unit 1.
Daewoo E&C identifies small modular reactors (SMRs) as a highly promising, clean energy source. These innovative reactors are ideally suited to provide reliable power for AI data centers, industrial complexes, and urban areas where large-scale conventional nuclear plants are often impractical.
The company played an integral role in the early development of Korea’s SMART reactor design certification project, a collaborative effort led by Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), and has established a strategic partnership with KEPCO KPS on cutting-edge SMR technologies.
Furthering its commitment, Daewoo E&C is collaborating with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) on innovative SMR solutions and actively exploring joint investment and construction opportunities in this transformative field.
Daewoo E&C’s nuclear ambitions have recently gained substantial momentum following the South Korean government’s selection of Gijang in Busan as the site for the nation’s inaugural SMR project, alongside Yeongdeok in North Gyeongsang Province for two new large-scale nuclear reactors.
Daewoo E&C confirmed that its forward-thinking energy strategy is already being applied to critical AI infrastructure projects. This includes a significant memorandum of understanding with South Jeolla Province for the development of a substantial 500-megawatt AI data center cluster, in addition to its involvement in the Jangseong Pine Data Center project.
“Beyond merely participating in data center construction, Daewoo E&C is evolving into a global energy provider, delivering the essential energy infrastructure that will power the AI era,” a company official stated. “By seamlessly integrating our comprehensive capabilities in LNG, nuclear power, SMRs, and data center construction, our ultimate goal is to become the premier total energy solutions provider worldwide.”
