Nuclear power programs and related R and D topics in Korea

Full text: Nuclear power generation has assured the stable supply of energy, reduced national trade deficit, lowered electricity bill, and mitigated the air-pollution problem in Korea. As of 2005, Korea has 20 nuclear power plants in operation and 4 under construction. According to the recent 'Long-Term Electricity Supply Scheme', Korea will have 28 nuclear units in operation by 2017, which will consist of 45% of electricity generation. The 3rd 'Comprehensive Promotion Plan of Nuclear Energy' has been completed, which will constitute the national nuclear policy of Korea during the period of 2007 through 2011. According to the Plan, 1,000 MWe-sized OPRIOOO and 1,400 MWe-sized APR1400 will serve for large-scale electricity generation until 2025. Korea will commercialize 330 MWt-sized SMART for multi-use purpose such as seawater desalination, district heating, ship propulsion, and small-scale electricity generation. Korea has joined GIF and INPRO to develop advanced reactor concepts beyond the year of 2025: SFR for fast reactor program and VHTR for hydrogen production. Along with the Plan, the 'Medium and Long Term Nuclear R and D Program (2007-2011)' has been also formulated to support the Plan through systematic R and D work in the areas of: future reactor systems, nuclear safety, nuclear fuel cycles, radiation technology, and innovative nuclear power technology. The total 5-year R and D budget will be a little over 1 billion US dollars