As part of its growth scenario toward 2040 in the energy sector, IHI presented a strategy to reinforce its business foundation in Japan’s nuclear industry. To achieve this, the company aims to strengthen production systems and personnel in preparation for further reactor restarts, support the completion and operation of the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant, and establish a business structure covering the entire backend cycle from reprocessing to waste treatment and final disposal.
IHI positioned nuclear energy as one of its “growth businesses,” where accelerated investment is expected to drive revenue expansion. Looking beyond the domestic market to overseas opportunities as well, the company plans to enhance its manufacturing capabilities.
The company’s FY2025 financial presentation materials, also released on May 8, stated that priority funding would be allocated between FY2026 and FY2028 to growth and development businesses, including nuclear energy. Specific investment themes in the nuclear sector include improving manufacturing technology and productivity for pressure vessels and steel modules, as well as developing next-generation reactors such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
In March this year, IHI signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S.-based X-energy to explore and promote potential collaboration in high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technologies.
The company has also been expanding its involvement in overseas nuclear projects in recent years, particularly in the SMR and high-temperature gas reactor sectors. Last year, for example, IHI received an order to manufacture a steel module mock-up for Romania’s SMR project.
