Korean Nuclear Industry
History
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1950s Preparation for Nuclear Program
- Officially launched national nuclear program
- Joined International Atomic Energy(IAEA) as a member state
- Enacted National Atomic Energy Act
- Founded Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute(KAERI)
- Started building the first research reactor, TRIGA MARK II
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1960s Planning for the 1st Commercial NPP
- Formed national electric power company, Korea Electric Power Corporation(KEPCO)
- Developed the first 20 years long-term, national nuclear power development plan
- Embarked site evaluations and selections for the first nuclear power plant
- Commenced operation of the first research reactor, TRIGA MARK II
- Signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons(NPT)
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1970s Introduction of Nuclear Power
- Began construction and commenced commercial operation of the first nuclear power plant, Kori 1
- Formed Han-ah Industrial Management Co., Ltd(predecessor of KEPCO Plant Service & Engineering, KEPCO KPS, national plant services company)
- Ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons(NPT)
- Formed joint venture company, Korea Atomic Burns & Roe(predecessor of KEPCO Engineering & Construction, KEPCO E&C, national plant engineering company) with KAERI and US Burns & Roe
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1980s Promotion of Localization
- Established the nuclear regulatory body within KAERI
- Formed national fuel fabrication company KEPCO Nuclear Fuel(KNF)
- Initiated design work of HANARO*(Highly Advanced Neutron Application Reactor)
* High-performing multipurpose research reactor designed and built independently by KAERI
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1990s Technology Self-Reliance
- Established Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety(KINS)
- Commenced Operation of Korean research reactor, HANARO
- Developed first localized Korean Standard Nuclear Power Plant, OPR1000
- Began construction and started commission of the first localized Korean Standard Nuclear power plant, Hanul 3
- Initiated design work of SMART(System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor)
- Established the project center for fusion research and development(predecessor of National Fusion Research Institute, NFRI)
- Signed Additional Protocol
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2000s Technology Advancement
- Formed national hydro & nuclear power plant operator, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co.,Ltd(KHNP)
- Developed the Advanced Korean Standard Nuclear Power Plant, APR1400
- Formed national radioactive waste management agency, Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD)
- Signed the contract of the Barakah nuclear power plant project with United Arab Emirates
- Official declaration for the first plasma occurrence of Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research Reactor(KSTAR)
- Ratified Additional Protocol
- Established Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control(KINAC)
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2010s Technology Renovation
- Developed advanced nuclear power plant models, APR+, EU-APR, and APR1000
- Exported HANARO to Jordan, SMART to Saudi Arabia
- Obtained a design certification(DC) for APR1400 nuclear power plant from the European Utility Requirements(EUR) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission(NRC)