KEPCO Nuclear Fuel (KEPCO NF) and Daewoo E&C have joined forces to expand their presence in the nuclear power markets in Korea and abroad.
Daewoo E&C struck an MOU to ramp up their joint nuclear power business development and technology cooperation at Daewoo E&C headquarters in Euljiro, Seoul, on March 28.
Under the agreement, the two companies plan to build a mutual cooperation system, including joint research related to nuclear power and nuclear fuel production facilities, technology exchanges, and the operation of a consultative body.
KEPCO NF is the nation’s sole company specializing in nuclear fuel design and production. The company is in charge of suppling all nuclear fuel demand in Korea and exporting nuclear fuel to the United Arab Emirates.
KEPCO NF has a track record of successfully implementing projects, such as the building nuclear fuel production facilities in Korea with Daewoo E&C in the past. The two companies jointly implemented a project to obtain permission on the standard design of System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor (SMART).
In 2023, Daewoo E&C signed an MOU on developing innovative SMRs with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corp.
Daewoo E&C has been strengthening networking with companies with nuclear technology power, as the company established a cooperative regime in the SMR sector with KEPCO KPS.
A Daewoo E&C official said, “Daewoo E&C is the nation’s sole company capable of offering total solutions in all areas of the nuclear power industry, ranging from design to construction, maintenance and decommission, and we will stive to raise the standing of K-construction by proactively entering the new nuclear market and SMR business markets.”
President Jeong Chang-jin and his executives attend a ceremony to celebrate the shipment of a pilot accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) assembly program at KEPCO NF headquarters in Daejeon on Jan. 15. (Photo: KEPCO NF)
KEPCO NF Delivers Pilot ATF Nuclear Fuel Assembly
KEPCO Nuclear Fuel held a ceremony to celebrate the shipment of a pilot accident-tolerant fuel (ATF) assembly program at KEPCO NF headquarters in Daejeon on Jan. 15.
Development of the ATF was launched in 2017 as part of the nuclear power core technology project, commissioned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
KEPCO NF is seeking to commercialize the ATF in cooperation with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co.
The developed ATF consists of Chrome-coated cladding and LAS-Doped UO2 pellet, and it is capable of securing safety margin by offering a more excellent degree of safety than the conventional nuclear fuel.
The ATF, whose technology development was successfully carried out, underwent a pilot fuel road fire test to verify its performance in the reactor for commercialization in May 2024.
The production of the pilot four-bundle assembly was completed in December 2024.
A fire test is to be conducted on the pilot ATF assembly for use for nuclear units in May 2025.
The ATF only contributes to achieving carbon neutrality by abiding by green energy application conditions of nuclear in accordance with the Korean Green Taxonomy and the EU Green Taxonomy, but also it is expected to be in a better position to enter foreign markets.
KEPCO NF President Jeong Chang-jin said, “Our desires and efforts toward the supply of nuclear energy with reinforced safety and eco-friendliness has led to the development of the ATF and successful shipment of the pilot assembly, and Moving forward, we will make efforts to spearhead into a safe and sustainable nuclear energy future.”
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