INTERVIEW | KHNP
Cooperation and nuclear new build
Korea Hydro Nuclear Power (KHNP) was one of the hosts of the recent CORDEL Workshop focused on the role of international cooperation in new nuclear development. NEI spoke with Seungyeol Lim, Vice President of KHNP, about the importance of cooperation and how that plays out in practice
Q: How important is international cooperation among regulatory and licensing authorities to nuclear development? A: Clean and stable energy supply is becoming increasingly critical due to climate change, energy security, and the push for electrification. At the same time, tripling nuclear power capacity by 2050 presents a significant challenge. Particularly, for the deployment of SMRs as well as large reactors, collaboration and harmonisation in regulations and licensing is essential. Such efforts will help maintain our commitment to safety while minimizing redundancies in the licensing process. Additionally, accelerating the expansion of nuclear power requires several key elements: a robust supply chain, talent development, and innovative technology advancement. To streamline this process, all-hands-on-deck approach is needed across the global nuclear community. In this effort, international organizations such as the World Nuclear Association must play more substantial roles.
Q: What are the key areas where cooperation can be improved to benefit nuclear power, for example in developing coherent regulatory landscape? A: KHNP is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through the expansion of large reactors and SMR development. To advance such efforts, global cooperation must be enhanced, particularly in the areas of regulation,
licensing, and supply chain management. Among them, collaboration in regulation and licensing are essential. To triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, many different types and sizes of nuclear reactors will be built and this means a lot more reactors will be reviewed and licensed by regulators around the world. To achieve this unprecedented expansion will require increased collaboration between regulatory bodies and nuclear industries. Divergent licensing criteria among countries contribute to project uncertainties. Activities that move towards the global harmonization of licensing criteria will help reduce this uncertainty and are key for the successful development and early commercialization of SMRs.
Q: What are the key international challenges that the nuclear industry currently faces in developing a robust supply chain and qualified workforce? A: Supply chain management is crucial. Compared to many other industries, nuclear industry demands higher level of safety, and vendors must meet stringent expectations. For newcomer countries, it is essential to implement localization considering the technical capabilities of the country, and to establish a robust global supply chain. It would be extremely challenging for a country to pursue these elements on its own. A combination of determination of the government, collaboration with reliable partners experienced in construction and operation and assistance
Above: The APR-1400 is an advanced 1400 MWe pressurised water nuclear reactor designed by Korea Hydro Nuclear Power (KHNP) Source: KHNP
36 | July 2024 |
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