The IAEA and the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company LTD (KHNP) are increasing their ongoing collaboration. Through the recently signed Practical Arrangement, both organizations have agreed to cooperate to support nuclear power development and strengthen IAEA Member States´ capabilities in nuclear power plant safety, performance and service life.
"This practical arrangement will provide the foundation to share Korea´s rich experience in nuclear power with IAEA Member States, both newcomer and operating nuclear power countries," stated Yury Sokolov, IAEA Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy.
Cooperation will be bolstered in three areas: developing the infrastructure required to establish a nuclear power programme; strengthening capabilities in safety, performance and service life; and exchanging information and material relevant to nuclear power programmes. In particular, countries considering whether to embark on a new nuclear power programme will receive support. Collaboration could result in jointly organized technical meetings, publishing joint documents and implementing IAEA technical cooperation or review missions.
Under this agreement, the Department of Nuclear Energy intends to develop additional mentoring programmes for infrastructure preparation and construction management for expanding nuclear power plants. Korea´s technical competence and experience will be shared through these programmes with other IAEA Member States.
"I remember the early stages of the nuclear power construction program in my country," stated Jong Shin Kim, President and CEO of KHNP. "Now it is our turn to help the newcomers in the nuclear industry. We are ready and willing to help, hand in hand with the IAEA."
The Practical Arrangement was signed on 28 October 2009 by IAEA Deputy Director General Yury Sokolov and KHNP President & CEO Jong Shin Kim.
Background
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company LTD (KHNP)
KHNP is the largest among the six power generating subsidiaries that separated from Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) in April 2001. It provides approximately 40% of the national power supply in Korea. KHNP has 20 nuclear power reactor units in operation and 8 units under construction.