- Emphasizing SMRs' Role and International Cooperation for Better Lives -

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) participated in the "SMR & Advanced Reactor 2024" conference held in Atlanta, USA, on the 1st and 2nd of the local time. The event brought together key small modular reactor (SMR) companies, organizations, and government officials from the North American region to explore practical measures for the commercialization of SMRs. 

Hosted by one of the world's top three news agencies, Reuters, KHNP emphasized the role of SMRs and the importance of international cooperation for accelerating SMR commercialization as solutions for humanity's future during keynote speeches, workshops, and supply chain-related sessions. 

CEO Joo-ho Whang discussed carbon-neutral solutions for overcoming the climate crisis under the theme of "SMRs, a rising solution" during the opening keynote speech of the event. He introduced KHNP's carbon-neutral initiative, SMR Smart Net zero City (SSNC), based on SMRs as a solution for the future of energy and proposed KHNP's determination and borderless cooperation for SMR commercialization, receiving great acclaim from the attendees. 

Additionally, during the workshop, which invited stakeholders interested in collaboration with KHNP, there were discussions on introducing Korea's innovative SMR (i-SMR) under development, highlighting the strengths of Korea's nuclear power supply chain, identifying obstacles to SMR commercialization, and discussing global cooperation strategies to overcome them. Various opinions were also exchanged on the challenges and the necessity of international cooperation for advancing the SMR supply chain. 

Whang stated, "The world is paying attention to SMRs as a solution for carbon neutrality" and expressed KHNP's commitment to achieving global carbon neutrality through new models like SSNC, led by SMRs.

KHNP attracted global attention by showcasing i-SMR technology and the SSNC model for the first time in the global market at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last year. Recently, at the Korea Nuclear Power Annual Conference held in Busan, KHNP also unveiled plans for SSNC, which can reduce energy production costs by 30% compared to conventional cities. 

KHNP plans to participate in this year's COP once again to promote i-SMR and SSNC on the global stage. Additionally, intend to focus on marketing activities for SSNC in the international market as a new export model for Korean nuclear power plants.