Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) of the United States jointly hosted the “2025 Plant Performance Workshop” at KHNP Central Research Institute in Daejeon on April 14.
The workshop was designed to share operational innovation through the digital transformation of nuclear power plants and global technology trends.
Researchers with KHNP Central Research Institute, other working-level officials and Korean and international digital experts participated in the workshop.
Among an example of the digital transformation of modernizing power plants that was highlighted was the use of AI-based nuclear power maintenance big data, now in place at power plants, developed by KHNP Central Research Institute. Another example was electric facility verification and confirmation.
In particular, applying AI technologies to nuclear power plants is expected to not only improve work performance of nuclear power units, but also to the exporting of nuclear power.
President Shin Ho-chul of KHNP Central Research Institute said, “Decision-making prioritizing data based on digital technology and the operation of facilities will greatly improve the safety and efficiency of nuclear facilities. And from now on, KHNP will ramp up cooperation with EPRI and we will our best to spearhead leading R&D into global digital transformation technologies.”
KHNP and Samsung C&T Join Forces to Develop Overseas Nuclear Power Projects
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power struck an MOU to build a strategic partnership to explore overseas nuclear power projects with Samsung C&T, at KHNP Radiation Health Institute in Seoul on March 11.
Under the deal, both companies agreed to cooperate in the development of overseas new nuclear power projects tailored to meet demand, such as joint proposals on new nuclear power projects using B2B cooperation, cooperation on the strengthening of the competitiveness in landing deals for large nuclear power plants and cooperation in the SMR business.
They plan to closely cooperate on the exploration of nuclear power projects in Asia and the Pacific region, where demand is expected to surge.
KHNP President Whang Joo-ho said, “Amid changing global business conditions, KHNP will make efforts to build a stable partnership with Samsung C&T and explore new markets using a variety of business models, and if two companies, armed with nuclear power business management experiences, large-sized infrastructure business performance capabilities, international networking and understanding, join forces, it is expected to create business models with a more competitive edge.”
KHNP Launches the APR Owners Group, Its First International Organization
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) officially launched the APR Owners Group (APROG) on Feb. 24, the world's first international organization dedicated to the APR reactor model.
With ENEC Operations (ENEC), the operator of the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, as a founding member, APROG sets a new precedent for global collaboration among APR reactor operators.
This marks KHNP’s first time establishing an international organization.
The launch ceremony, held at Hotel Naru in Seoul, was attended by KHNP’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Lee Sang-min, ENEC’s Chief Operating Officer Saleh Al Shehhi, and other domestic and international nuclear industry representatives, reaffirming their commitment to enhanced cooperation.
Nuclear power operators worldwide form owners’ groups to enhance safety and efficiency by exchanging operational experience and technical knowledge related to specific reactor designs.
Until now, KHNP has been a member of several existing such groups, including PWROG (Pressurized Water Reactor Owners Group), COG (CANDU Owners Group), and FROG (Framatome Reactor Owners Group).
However, with the establishment of APROG, KHNP has transitioned from merely being a participant in international owners’ groups, to owning and leading its own, marking a significant milestone in its global presence in the nuclear power sector.
With APROG, KHNP aims to share expertise with member organizations and continuously improve the safety and efficiency of APR reactors.
The company will also focus on strengthening the global recognition of the APR brand by investing in joint R&D and exploring innovative approaches to operations by integrating cutting-edge technologies.
These efforts will enhance the competitiveness of APR reactors in new projects and further solidify its position in the global nuclear market.
