S. Korea to speed up development of advanced nuclear reactor

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will speed up the development of an
advanced indigenous nuclear reactor that can enhance the country's ability to
compete in the international market, the government said Wednesday.

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy said the development of the Advanced Power
Reactor (APR) will be completed by 2012, three years ahead of the original
schedule. The reactor has greater power output than current models in use along
with enhanced safety features and could start commercial operation in 2022.
Efforts will be also made to develop key components like reactor coolant pumps
and a man-machine interface system that acts as the "heart" and nerve center of
all commercial nuclear power units, the ministry said.
South Korea which started nuclear power generation in 1977 can design and build
its own reactors, although it has not been able to secure overseas building
contracts so far. One obstacle cited for this lack of export orders has been the
countries reliance on foreign technology in a handful of core parts.
Seoul announced the NuTech 2015 in 2006 with the aim of building the APR and
become fully independent on related technologies.
At present the country operates 20 commercial reactors that provide roughly 36
percent of its electricity. Eight more reactors are under construction to be
completed between 2010-2016, with 10 more to be built by 2030.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)