Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP; President & CEO Jooho Whang) held a launching ceremony for the i-SMR SSNC Control and Simulator Centers on Friday, August 23 at KHNP’s Central Research Institute in Daejeon. 

* Smart Net-Zero City (SSNC, i-SMR Smart Net-zero City) is a future-oriented, energy self-sufficient city that supplies clean energy to urban areas using i-SMR in conjunction with renewable energy sources.

The Control Center is an integrated platform facility that leverages advanced technologies such as AI and ICT for the operation of SSNC. The Simulator Center is designed to validate the optimal design and operational suitability of i-SMR, which serves various purposes, including assessing three-person operation suitability, human factors evaluation, and training for operators.

The ceremony was attended by over 70 participants, including the 2nd Vice Minister Nam-ho Choe of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE), Sang-hyup Kim, Chair of the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth, as well as key representatives from industry, academia, and local municipalities. Technological demonstrations were performed at the event, including SSNC’s optimal energy operation, an SSNC city model experience, and global i-SMR technology support.   

The 2nd Vice Minister Choe stated at the ceremony, “The launching of the i-SMR SSNC Control and Simulator Centers marks a significant step towards the development of a future-oriented energy city for carbon neutrality. Moving forward, the government will provide unwavering policy support to ensure that SMR technology improves Korea’s energy self-sufficiency and becomes a foundation for overseas exports.” 

  KHNP CEO Whang said, “There is significant interest from local governments, such as Daegu, in the i-SMR technology that KHNP is developing. We will make every effort to supply affordable energy to the public through the i-SMR-based SSNC and contribute to achieving the goal of carbon-neutral cities.”