A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and SNC-Lavalin subsidiary Candu Energy for cooperation in areas such as decommissioning waste and digital twins, and work together on a system to exchange technology, information and experience.
KHNP said it is increasing its capacity to dismantle NPPs including: the 576MWe pressurised water reactor at Kori NPP unit 1 (Korea’s oldest) and Wolsong NPP unit 1. Kori 1 was closed in June 2017 after 40 years of service, folloiwing a 10-year licence extension, and Wolsong 1, Korea’s first Candu 6 unit, was taken offline in May 2018 and declared closed in December 2019.
KHNP is planning "immediate dismantling" of Wolsong 1 instead of delaying decommissioning for more than 60 years, noting that this would be a world’s first for a commercial heavy water reactor. KHNP said this would also provide an opportunity to move into the overseas decommissioning market.
Image: The MOU signed by KHNP and Candu energy (courtesy of KHNP)
