KAERI Working on Development of Futuristic Reactors

'Korea is set to localize all nuclear technologies by 2012'

Following are excerpts of an interview between NewsWorld and Yang Myung-seung, president of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), who is a career expert in the nuclear energy research field with an in-depth knowledge of nuclear energy trends and national policy development.
Question: Is the environment surrounding nuclear power changing favorably enough to call it the renaissance of nuclear energy?
Answer: That's true. The nuclear power industry sees its roles expanding and awareness toward it improving in Korea as well as abroad, but we cannot be enchanted with the favorable mood. Korea needs to make headway in both the development of future reactor technology on which it is concentrating its capability and nuclear technology exports. In particular, opportunities for exporting homegrown nuclear technology are not always a given, but this should be an opportune time for success.
Q: Will you give more specifics into future nuclear technology?
A: Future nuclear energy technology refers to all nuclear energy technology that can be available in the future, but KAERI is now focusing on the development of the Generation-IV(Gen-IV) sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR), the very high temperature reactor (VHTR) and pyroprocessing for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel.
Currently, five kinds of future nuclear reactor technologies are under study around the world, but SFR and VHTR are assessed to emerge as favorite alternative technologies to replace the existing G-III and Generation -3.5 nuclear power plants.
Q: How are nuclear reactor generations classified?
A: The Korea Standard Nuclear Power Plant (KSNP), developed in 1995, is a third-generation (G-III) reactor, and the APR-1400, an improved version of the KSNP, is classified as a Generation-3.5 reactor. The G-III reactor is focused on safety, while the Generation -3.5 reactor is designed to emphasize such economical features as an increase in power generation. The Shin-Kori Nuclear Power Units 3 & 4 and the Shin-Ulchin Nuclear Power Units 1 & 2, to be constructed in the years to come, are to be fitted with a Generation -3.5 reactor.
Q: What are the characteristics of a Gen-IV reactor?
A: The Gen-IV reactor boasts such features as sustainability, environmental protection and resistance to nuclear proliferation. The SFR KAERI is concentrating on will cut down on nuclear radioactive waste amounts, since spent nuclear fuels are recycled. VHTR is focusing on the production of hydrogen rather than electricity production in order to solve the depletion of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
Q: Where does Korea rank in terms of nuclear energy technology?
A: Korea ranks fifth in terms of nuclear energy production capacity and third in terms of the construction of nuclear power units, but the nation cannot be considered to have reached similar rankings in all areas, including technology. In particular, Korea's nuclear technology exports to third-party countries were restricted at the time of the introduction of nuclear energy technology, so enrichment of nuclear fuel and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel are banned. These have led to a failure in completing the complete nuclear fuel cycle ranging from uranium ore to recycling of spent nuclear fuels. When all nuclear technologies are localized in 2012, things are forecast to change favorably.
Q: Are curbs on Korean nuclear technology due to the Korea-U.S. Nuclear Cooperation Agreement?
A: That is a task that needs to be overcome. But the agreement itself cannot be disputed since chances are high that countries transferring technology put restrictions on it even in areas other than nuclear energy. Nuclear energy technology that could be converted into weapons is supposed to be subject to more stringent restrictions. This issue can be solved by ensuring the safe, peaceful uses of nuclear energy from the perspective of international cooperation.
Q: I've heard that KAERI is paying attention to the research of both nuclear energy technology and technology of its derivatives.
A: The research reactor HANARO (High-flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor) is an example of cold neutron experiment. The cold neutron research facility can carry out analyses and research in the nano-bio sector. Radiation Fusion Technology in Jeongup under the umbrella of KAERI is engaged in the development of new materials, including radiation mutation and polymeric membrane. Radiation mutation is the development of new crop varieties, through the creation of mutant characteristics via irradiation. nw

Yang Myung-seung, president of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI)