Permanent Shutdown Nuclear Power Plant Safety Management Industry Hub 'Wonjeon Haeche Research Institute' Groundbreaking... KHNP Ceremony on 31st

"Laying the Foundation for Complete Lifecycle Technology in the Nuclear Industry"

Aerial view of the Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Research Institute.

Aerial view of the Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Research Institute.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yong-woo] The Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Research Institute, tasked with the safe dismantling of permanently shut down nuclear power plants, has begun construction.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Research Institute' on the 31st near the Kori Nuclear Power Plant in Gijang-gun, Busan, and the Saeul Nuclear Power Headquarters in Ulju-gun, Ulsan.

The event was attended by about 120 people, including KHNP President Hwang Ju-ho, Cheon Young-gil, Director of the Energy Industry Office at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Shin Chang-ho, Director of the Future Industry Bureau of Busan City, Seo Nam-gyo, Director of Planning and Coordination Office of Ulsan City, as well as executives from government, local governments, public institutions, the Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Research Institute corporation, and local representatives.

The Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Research Institute was established through contributions from nuclear-related public institutions and support from the government and local governments, led by KHNP and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Research Institute, supporting the dismantling of pressurized water reactor (PWR) types, will be located in the Busan-Ulsan border area, while the Heavy Water Reactor Decommissioning Technology Institute, supporting the dismantling of heavy water reactor types, is planned to be established in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, with completion targeted for 2026.

The Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Research Institute will be equipped with world-class research facilities and equipment to develop dismantling technologies and demonstrate equipment. It aims to secure technological capabilities for safely dismantling all types of nuclear power plants and foster related ecosystems to support entry into the global decommissioning market, expected to reach 200 trillion won by 2050.

KHNP President Hwang Ju-ho said, “With our technology that produced the globally recognized APR1400, we will create a new future in the nuclear power plant decommissioning market,” adding, “Once the Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Research Institute is completed, it will accelerate the realization of the dream to complete the full cycle of nuclear industry technology.”

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