Kim Hoecheon, President of KHNP: "Nuclear Power Is the Practical Solution for Electricity Demand in the AI Era"

"Strengthening International Cooperation and Prioritizing Safety Are Key to Building Trust in Nuclear Power"

Kim Hoecheon, President and CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, is delivering the opening remarks at the 2026 Korea Nuclear Annual Conference held at Bexco in Busan on the 22nd. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power

Kim Hoecheon, President of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, emphasized on the 22nd that "nuclear power is the most practical energy source to reliably support the rapidly increasing electricity demand in the era of artificial intelligence (AI)" and stressed the need to "expand the role of nuclear energy based on safety and cooperation."

At the 2026 Korea Nuclear Annual Conference held at BEXCO in Busan on the 22nd, Kim stated, "AI is rapidly spreading across industries and daily life, establishing itself as a key driving force for national economic growth," and made these remarks.

He explained, "Nuclear power offers the advantage of securing energy security without emitting greenhouse gases," and added, "For this reason, countries around the world are accelerating the expansion of nuclear energy."

Specifically, the United States is pursuing a plan to expand its nuclear power plant capacity by more than fourfold by 2050, while China aims to operate over 100 nuclear power plants. France has also announced plans to build 16 new nuclear reactors, highlighting the competitive expansion of nuclear power among major countries. In Canada and the United States, the construction of initial small modular reactors (SMRs) is underway, emerging as a new market opportunity.

Kim noted, "Korea is also pursuing continued operation of existing nuclear plants and the construction of new nuclear power plants, and is actively implementing nuclear policies, such as applying for standard design approval for innovative SMRs." He continued, "Above all, safety must be the top priority for the nuclear industry to fulfill its role in the AI era, and international solidarity for strengthening supply chains and technological cooperation is crucial," emphasizing, "When countries communicate and unite their efforts, nuclear energy will become a more trusted energy source."

He further added, "This conference serves as an important occasion for experts from various countries to come together, share information, and explore visions and cooperation strategies," and noted, "The concurrently held exhibition will also be the largest ever, providing a platform for expanding industrial cooperation."

Meanwhile, this year’s Korea Nuclear Annual Conference is being held on the largest scale ever, as it coincides with the hosting of the Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference (PBNC) in Korea for the first time in 14 years.

Under the theme "Nuclear Energy for an AI-powered World," the conference highlights the strategic role of nuclear energy in addressing the climate crisis and achieving carbon neutrality, as well as in meeting the rising electricity demand driven by the spread of AI.

During the event, sessions will cover a wide range of topics such as continued operation, carbon neutrality, artificial intelligence, energy security, small modular reactors (SMRs), and radioactive waste. The main focus will be on the future direction of the nuclear industry and expanding avenues for international cooperation.

The "Busan International Nuclear Industry Exhibition," held during the same period, will feature 420 booths operated by 156 companies from 19 countries, marking the largest event in its history. Major domestic companies such as Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Korea Plant Service & Engineering, and Doosan Enerbility, as well as international firms including Westinghouse, Orano, and Framatome, will participate to showcase their technologies and products.

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