Mott MacDonald and Kepco E&C to explore future large-scale nuclear construction in UK

Barakah nuclear power plant under construction in the United Arab Emirates (Image: wikiemirati via Wikimedia Commons)

Engineering consultant Mott MacDonald has signed an agreement with Korean power plant builder Kepco E&C to explore future large-scale nuclear projects in the UK.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together to examine potential projects.

Mott MacDonald will support Kepco E&C in regulatory licensing and permitting, and site development by providing UK context to the new build programme.

The MoU was signed by the president and CEO of Kepco E&C, Sung-Arm Kim and James Harris chair and chief executive of Mott MacDonald at a ceremony at Mansion House, London, UK, hosted by Kemi Badenoch, secretary of state for Business and Trade.

The announcement comes during a state visit by Yoon Suk Yeol, the President of the Republic of Korea to the UK.

Sung-Arm Kim said, “To enter the UK’s expanding nuclear power plant market, cooperation with a partner with expertise like Mott MacDonald is key. We expect our collaboration to create synergies such as reducing the period for licensing of the nuclear power plant construction project in the UK.”

KEPCO E&C is a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the largest electric utility in South Korea, and has been engaged in the design, engineering and construction of nuclear power plants since 1975.

The Korean firm and Mott MacDonald are currently working together to deliver the $20 billion build of the Barakah nuclear power station in the United Arab Emirates. The project comprises of four units of APR1400 nuclear reactors and will provide 25% of the Emirate’s electricity needs.