Nuclear Experts Gather in Busan

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] The 2020 Korea Nuclear Energy Annual Conference, which was postponed for three months due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), will be held for two days starting from the 16th at BEXCO in Busan. The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that the event will be conducted in accordance with government quarantine guidelines due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

This year's annual conference theme is 'Nuclear Power Export 10 Years, Nuclear Energy for a New 100 Years.' Key discussions will focus on the direction the nuclear energy sector should take, including nuclear innovation technologies and research and development of small and medium-sized reactors. The keynote speeches will be delivered by Kim Muhwan, President of Pohang University of Science and Technology, Gustav Sl? Metchka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Korea, and Min Byungjoo, President of the Korean Nuclear Society.

Hosted by the Korea Nuclear Industry Association and organized by BEXCO, the '2020 Busan International Nuclear Industry Exhibition' will also be held concurrently. Along with special exhibition halls such as the Nuclear Power Decommissioning Technology Pavilion and the Nuclear R&D Achievement Exhibition Hall, 120 companies including Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, KEPCO KPS, Korea Electric Power Technology, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, Korea Radioactive Waste Agency, Westinghouse, and Orano will open 330 booths to showcase new technologies and products.

The government has minimized the number of attendees for this event to respond to the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, quarantine measures such as disinfection, social distancing, strict access control, and visitor record keeping have been implemented. A quarantine officer has been designated within the venue, and a hotline with a nearby screening clinic has been established to prepare for any emergencies.

Jung Byungseon, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "Based on policy directions for creating new industries such as the 'Plan to Secure Future Leading Nuclear Technology Capabilities' and the 'Future Radiation Industry Creation Strategy' established at the end of last year, we are strengthening investments in next-generation SMART reactors, research and development of multipurpose micro reactors, and development of promising technologies."