KHNP President Lee Kwan-sup gives a speech at a New Year’s gathering of those in the nuclear power industry hosted by the Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF) at the Sheraton Seoul Palace Hotel in Seoul on Jan. 12. (Photos: MOTIE)

President Lee Kwan-sup of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) said, “This year, (we’ll) devote ourselves to making nuclear power units appreciated by more by people because they are safe sources of energy.” He made the remarks at a New Year’s meeting of those in the nuclear power industry hosted by the Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF) at the Sheraton Seoul Palace Hotel in Seoul on Jan. 12. 

KHNP President Lee, also chairman of the KAIF, said “People still have misgivings over nuclear power. Last year, KHNP and the nuclear power industry had difficult times.” 

He extended thanks to many people for their support of the resumption of Shin Kori Nuclear Power Units 5&6 construction. 

President Lee said he believed all things that happed last year ware due to the fault of KHNP. He vowed that KHNP will devote itself to becoming a company committed to making nuclear power units which can be exported to the world, and trusted by the people.

Among 200 people on hand at the event were Rep. Lee Chae-ik; Rep. Yoo Dong-soo; Rep. Choi Hae-yeon Standing Commissioner & Secretary General Choi Jong-bae of the National Safety and Security Commission; Vice Minister Lee In-ho of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Vice Minister Lee Jin-gyu of the Ministry of Science, Technology and ICT; and representatives from industry, academia and research circles. 

The following are excerpts of his speech at the event. “Looking back, the nuclear industry underwent many changes as the new government was inaugurated last year and an energy policy shift was declared. Despite the situation, nuclear industry circles had joined forces and overcame the pending several issues, including the public debate on the construction of Shin Kori Nuclear Power Units 5&6. 

Many hardships are expected to come to the fore this year. We will have to construct nuclear power units in a safer fashion and operate them to overcome difficulties and perform given roles of developing nuclear power. All of us will have to devote ourselves to giving people trust toward nuclear power. 

First, we must do our best in ensuring the safety of nuclear power units in our own positions. Roles of several institutions from nuclear power unit design to the production of equipment and materials, construction, operation and maintenance are directly connected with the safety of nuclear power units. The safety of nuclear power units can be secured when nuclear power circles have one mind and devote ourselves to ensuring safety. I urge the nuclear industry, academia and research circles to join forces in enhancing their safety.

Secondly, nuclear power circles are required to muster their capabilities to export nuclear power abroad. The stark business situation in Korea will be made up for by successfully winning the Moorside nuclear power project in the United Kingdom and follow-up exports this year without fail. 

Lastly, I appeal for communication with neighborhood residents and people. Our last supports are only neighborhood residents. I will take a more aggressive stance in communicating with district residents and talking with people. 

Dignitaries raise their fist in a gesture of solidarity for a group photo session at the event. They included Standing Commissioner & Secretary General Choi Jong -bae of the National Safety and Security Commission,; Vice Minister Lee In-ho of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy,; and Vice Minister Lee Jin-gyu of the Ministry of Science, Technology and ICT, and KHNP President Lee Kwan-sup.