KHNP promotes role of small modular reactors in carbon neutrality

KHNP CEO Whang Joo-ho addressed the "SMR & Advanced Reactor 2024" event to outline the state-run company's plan for small modular reactors.

KHNP CEO Whang Joo-ho speaks during a conference in the United States that ran from Wednesday through Thursday. [KHNP]

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) presented its business strategy for small modular reactors (SMR) during a conference in the United States.

The "SMR & Advanced Reactor 2024" event attracted major SMR-related companies, organizations, and government officials from the North American region interested in the installation and commercialization of SMRs. The conference ran from Wednesday through Thursday.

KHNP CEO Whang Joo-ho 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.

The head of the state-run nuclear power plant operator also introduced the company's carbon-neutral focus and SMR's potential to contribute to the initiative.

"The world is paying attention to SMRs as a solution for carbon neutrality," he said as he expressed KHNP's commitment to achieving global carbon neutrality through new models called SSNC, led by the reactors.

KHNP plans to participate in this year's UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties to promote its SMR system.

On the sidelines of the conference, the company forged a partnership with Canada's ARC and NB Power to pursue cooperation in the SMR area.

"To accelerate the development of fourth-generation SMRs, global partnership is crucial. We hope that KHNP's cooperation with Canada's leading firms will create a synergistic effect," Whang said.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]