Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology are expected to significantly increase power demand, highlighting the value of economical and efficient nuclear energy. Corporations worldwide are expressing interest in nuclear energy, indicating that new opportunities are being presented for the nuclear industry. We will do our utmost to support the nuclear industry in growing without being shaken by external factors.
Noh Baek-sik, Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea Atomic Industry Forum, said this during a recent interview with ChosunBiz ahead of the 40th annual Korea Atomic Power Conference, which will be held on the 29th. Dubbed the largest event in the nuclear industry, the conference will take place at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel Seoul until the 30th. The event gathers figures related to the nuclear sector to share industry trends, the latest technologies, and to explore collaboration opportunities.
Executive Vice Chairman Noh graduated from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Pusan National University and joined Korea Electric Power Corporation. After its split from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), he served as head of the overseas business division, head of the global strategy office, and head of the overseas business headquarters. In 2009, he received a Minister’s Award from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for his contributions to international nuclear cooperation. He has been serving as the executive vice president of the Korea Atomic Industry Forum since 2023. The following is an interview with executive vice chairman Noh.
─The annual conference has reached its 40th anniversary. What does this mean?
The 40-year history of the Korea Atomic Atomic Power Conference is essentially the history of nuclear energy in the Republic of Korea. The annual conference is held every April 29, which also commemorates the date of the commencement of commercial operations of the Gori Unit 1 (April 29, 1978). Over the past 40 years, the annual conference has addressed key agendas of the domestic nuclear sector, facilitating communication among the government, industry, academia, and international organizations.
In our country, nuclear energy has served as a stable power source for 47 years without significant accidents, driving economic development. Beginning with the commercial operation of Gori Unit 1 in 1978, efforts towards localization in the 1980s resulted in successes such as the export of nuclear power plants. Currently, we operate 26 nuclear plants, generating 31% of the total electricity as of this year.
Our country has now become an important player in the nuclear energy industry. The annual conference contributed to the export of nuclear power plants to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2009, and after the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, it held sessions inviting representatives from international organizations to reassess the safety of nuclear power plants. We take pride in having improved the safety of the domestic nuclear industry by addressing global nuclear issues.
─What elements should we pay attention to at this year’s annual conference?
This year’s event has been prepared with contemplation on what the major challenges facing the nuclear industry are. As climate crisis and carbon neutrality issues emerge for humanity, nuclear energy is rising as a stable power source. On the other hand, it is true that there are significant safety concerns. Therefore, this year’s conference topic is titled “New Opportunities and Challenges of Nuclear Energy for Humanity: Resilience and Versatile Contributions of Nuclear Energy.”
Specifically, we aimed to comprehensively cover ▲safe and efficient nuclear plant operations ▲the role of nuclear energy ▲small modular reactors (SMRs) ▲expansion plans for new nuclear power plants ▲management of high-level waste for sustainable domestic nuclear plant expansion. We have invited Chris Anderson, the head of the world-renowned TED speaking program, as a keynote speaker. We expect him to share a new perspective on nuclear energy.
─What is the Korea Atomic Industry Forum?
The association can be seen as conducting all activities to revitalize the nuclear power industry. Many corporations that understand the economic value of the nuclear sector are participating as members. As of April this year, we have 485 member corporations. The association excels in ▲supporting domestic nuclear corporations in going overseas ▲strengthening the nuclear industry network both domestically and internationally ▲and educational and academic events.
We also aim to strengthen our collaborative relationship with the government and continuously represent the voices of the nuclear industry. This year, we are working with the government on ▲nuclear ecosystem support projects ▲financial support projects for the nuclear ecosystem ▲advance payment guarantee insurance for nuclear power equipment ▲and nurturing super-gap startups.
We also publish various materials such as the ‘Nuclear Survey,’ the nationally approved statistical materials, and ‘Nuclear Industry,’ and ‘Nuclear Yearbook,’ Korea’s only nuclear-specialized magazine. We plan to increase promotional activities related to nuclear energy targeting the public.
─What are the outcomes of the ’2025 International Atomic Industry Exhibition'?
Starting as an accompanying event of the Korea Atomic Power Conference, it has become the largest nuclear-related professional exhibition in the country. Major domestic nuclear corporations and institutions such as KHNP, KEPCO, KEPCO KPS, Doosan Enerbility, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute will participate, along with numerous overseas companies like Westinghouse from the U.S. and Framatome from France.
To support domestic nuclear corporations in exploring overseas markets, we have established an overseas buyer’s hall, which has shown promising results. This year, 14 companies from nine countries around the world have applied to participate. Last year, the overseas buyer’s hall facilitated 119 business meetings, resulting in consulting achievements worth 544.8 billion won. We expect even better results this year.