Korea: Current Status of HANARO and Challenge for the Sustainability

HANARO has been actively utilized since attaining first criticality in 1995. In 2009, the cold neutron source was installed inside the reflector tank. The main utilization fields of HANARO are neutron beam applications, nuclear fuel and material test, radioisotope production, neutron activation analysis and neutron transmutation doping. After the Fukushima accident, HANARO had been requested to evaluate the seismic margin for the reactor's main components, and the seismic margin assessment led to the reinforcement of HANARO's wall. In December 2017, HANARO started operating after overcoming many issues for about a 3 year-shutdown. For the period of long-term shutdown, the circumstances surrounding HANARO, such as research reactor regulation and new research reactor construction project, has been drastically changed. To meet the expectations of HANARO to produce world-class science and to respond to the rapidly changing environment, a strategic plan for HANARO was prepared, and 4 missions were re-established. They are 1) advancement of neutron science and technology, 2) not only meeting but also creating the needs of the industry, 3) contributions to the national society issues, and 4) safe and stable operation of the facility. To achieve the missions, all members involved in the HANARO shared their same perception that the stable operation of HANARO is the most important. HANARO is trying hard to give the confidence for its sustainability and excellence through the various activities. (author)