KNF ushers in new atomic age with pioneering technology

The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates the number of nuclear power plants worldwide will double by 2030 with about 300 new facilities. South Korea, through its nuclear fuel designer and manufacturer KEPCO NF (KNF), will help usher in this new atomic age.

Initially relying on foreign expertise, KNF has grown to develop its own pioneering technology. The company celebrates its 30th anniversary with the completion of its High Performance with Efficiency and Reliability (HIPER) nuclear fuel under the company's X-Gen programme. This marks the first time the company has independently developed its own proprietary nuclear fuel, as KNF had previously been developing technology with another company. HIPER is designed to burn up 20 per cent higher than regular fuels for enhanced safety. It is slated for commercial supply from 2017 after the tests.

"Safety is our No 1 concern," says president and CEO Dr Kim Ki-hak. "To make the world's best zero-defect nuclear fuels, we strictly adhere to our own quality control system."

South Korea's Ministry of Knowledge Economy has recognised these efforts, naming KNF as an "Excellent Quality Competitiveness Enterprise" for 11 years in a row since 2001. California-based Electric Power Research Institute also notes that KNF's nuclear fuels incur 10 times less damage than American brands.

KNF, together with the KEPCO Group, has helped build the nuclear power industry of South Korea. From a single turnkey facility installed by foreigners in 1978, the country's nuclear power sector has grown to be the fifth largest worldwide. Its 23 operating plants account for about 35 per cent of the country's power supply and five more facilities are under construction. The country aims to have 59 per cent reliance on atomic energy by 2030.

"The nuclear technology independence of Korea is considered as a success model by other countries trying to develop a nuclear industry," Kim says.