The Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission announced that the nuclear sector is making a resurgence through last year's contract to build the El Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt and this year's contract to export nuclear power plant equipment to Romania. They stated they will strive to secure next-generation reactor (SMR) technology and strengthen private sector capabilities.
The 13th Nuclear Safety and Promotion Day ceremony held on the 28th at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, was conducted under the theme "With Next-Generation Nuclear Power, Korea's Nuclear Industry Takes Off Again," reflecting the fierce global competition for next-generation reactors (SMR) and the government's determination to secure next-generation reactor technology.
Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Science and ICT, said, "Together with private companies, we will promote the acquisition of innovative technologies for next-generation reactors such as innovative small modular reactors (i-SMR), commercialization, and export to enhance Korea's status as a leading nuclear power nation."
Kang Kyung-sung, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated that the efforts of those working in the nuclear field have made it possible to normalize the current government's nuclear power policy and restore the ecosystem. He pledged to actively promote workforce training and research and development (R&D) support to utilize nuclear power as a central energy source and strengthen the nuclear ecosystem.
Lim Seung-cheol, Secretary General of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, said they will continue communication with developers through the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Pre-Design Review Consultative Group and maintain regulatory cooperation with potential export target countries.
Hwang Ju-ho, Chairman of the Korea Nuclear Industry Association, said, "To achieve the government's nuclear power export goals and revitalize the domestic nuclear industry, everyone in the nuclear sector must unite their efforts." He added, "We will manage nuclear power safely and transparently to meet public expectations and secure public trust through dialogue and communication."
At the event, awards were also presented to those who contributed to the nuclear industry. Professor Park Moon-gyu of Sejong University, who contributed to the development and export of the Korean-type nuclear power plant (APR1400), received the Order of Service Merit, Red Stripes, for leading the APR1400 development and U.S. government design certification, contributing to nuclear power exports, and developing advanced core protection system technology that achieved the first technology export to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Kim Dae-ji, senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS), received the Science and Technology Medal for participating in the review of the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima, Japan, and the on-site inspection team. Kim Jong-doo, Vice President of Doosan Enerbility, received the Industrial Medal for contributing to nuclear power localization as the overall project manager of Shin Hanul Units 1 and 2.
Kim Moon-young, investigator at the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, who mediated collective complaints in the Uljin area and contributed to the prompt resumption of construction of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4; Kim Yoon-il, senior researcher at KINS, who contributed to securing nuclear safety through the development of safety regulatory guidelines and timely response to regulatory issues at operating nuclear power plants; and Moon Ki-hwan, senior researcher at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, who contributed to establishing the basis for SMART nuclear power plant export commercialization through strategic planning for export target countries and economic ripple effect analysis, along with three others, received the Presidential Citation.
Jung Won-soo, head of the Equipment Improvement Department at Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., who contributed to maximizing nuclear power plant operating periods by improving equipment life evaluation methods; Professor Kim Eung-soo of Seoul National University, who developed high-performance multiphysics computational analysis technology capable of realistically simulating extreme disaster situations involving nuclear fuel melting, contributing to the advancement of nuclear safety analysis technology; and Park Byung-woo, director of the Radiation Safety Education Center at the Korea Nuclear Safety Foundation, who contributed to establishing a nuclear and radiation safety foundation through the establishment of a nuclear safety support specialized institution, along with four others, received the Prime Minister's Citation.
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