Entering Phase 2 of Practical Application for Core Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Technologies

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The practical application of core domestic nuclear power plant dismantling technologies, which began in 2017, is entering its second phase.

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced on the 29th that it has signed an agreement with domestic nuclear industry companies to commercialize core technologies for dismantling nuclear facilities.

The Atomic Energy Research Institute is conducting a practical application project to verify core dismantling technologies for nuclear facilities, including nuclear power plants, together with companies, and to prepare for commercialization through future technology transfer.

Starting with the first phase of practical application for four technologies in 2017, the project was successfully completed last year, and preparations for commercialization of these technologies are underway. This practical application agreement is also based on the industrial cooperation platform formed through the success of the previous practical application project.

The Atomic Energy Research Institute has selected four fields with high practical application potential among the core technologies already secured, along with specialized companies optimized for each. By 2021, through on-site verification of ▲ in-situ measurement technology for continuous distribution of radioactivity in activated structures (Seaneun Entech) ▲ foam decontamination technology for dismantling equipment and facilities (Seongwang T&S) ▲ remote precision control technology for handling heavy loads (Kyeongin Tech) ▲ thermochemical treatment technology for spent activated carbon (Hi-Air Korea, Radsol), the plan is to enhance the completeness of these core technologies.

Core technologies for nuclear power plant dismantling are classified into five stages?dismantling preparation, decontamination, cutting, waste treatment, and environmental restoration?and 38 technologies. Currently, South Korea has already secured 28 of these 38 core technologies. Most of the remaining 10 technologies not yet secured have also entered the performance verification stage at the laboratory level.

Seo Beom-gyeong, head of the Dismantling Technology Research Department, said, "This practical application agreement is expected to demonstrate the effects of industry-academia-research cooperation through an organic roadmap that leads from securing core dismantling technologies to practical application and commercialization."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.