Hyundai E&C has hired a nuclear industry expert to expand its global nuclear power business, including in North America.
Hyundai E&C said on the 4th that it recently hired former Westinghouse Vice President Michael Coon.
Michael Coon will advise on business development, orders, local project management, and licensing for Hyundai E&C's large nuclear power plants and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) sectors in global markets. He will be responsible for expanding networking with the U.S. government and related agencies and international partner companies.
Hyundai E&C plans to enhance project completeness for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract, as well as design and construction, of the Kozloduy large nuclear power plant in Bulgaria through technical advice from Michael Coon. The company also plans to seek Coon's advice when establishing an order-winning strategy focused on North America and Europe. Based on more than 34 years in the nuclear power business, it plans to leverage strategic networks with the U.S. government, industry, regulators, and research institutions to solidify Hyundai E&C's position in the global nuclear market.
Michael Coon has held key roles at global nuclear power corporations such as Westinghouse Electric Company and ABB Combustion Engineering, overseeing the entirety of new nuclear power projects. In particular, as the overall lead for the Barakah nuclear power plant construction project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he handled all phases including design, equipment procurement, project management, and establishment of a local subsidiary.
Having built international experience in a range of countries including Bulgaria, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, and China, Coon is also known for his high level of understanding of Korea's nuclear power industry, with a résumé that includes responsibilities from design to licensing, equipment procurement, and construction support for Hanbit Units 3-6, Hanul Units 3 and 4, and Saeul Units 1 and 2.
The U.S. government announced a plan to quadruple nuclear power capacity by 2050 and entered into a strategic partnership with Westinghouse.
Hyundai E&C recently signed a basic design contract with U.S. energy developer Fermi America for four large nuclear units within the world's largest integrated energy and artificial intelligence campus. The company is making tangible progress in U.S.-Korea nuclear cooperation, signing a design contract for the Kozloduy large nuclear power plant in Bulgaria with U.S. nuclear corporations such as Westinghouse and Holtec, and beginning construction of the Palisades SMR-300.
A Hyundai E&C official said, "Michael Coon plans to focus his capabilities on expanding Hyundai E&C's nuclear business by leveraging the knowledge, experience, and network he has accumulated across all areas of the nuclear industry," adding, "This will be a key driving force for Hyundai E&C to rise as a game changer in the global nuclear market."