South Korean company Hyundai Engineering is planning to make significant strides in Uzbekistan's energy landscape through the export of small modular reactors (SMRs) for the construction of compact nuclear power plants. The strategic move is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Hyundai Engineering and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), emphasizing collaborative efforts in the export of SMR technologies, Trend News Agency reports.
Under the terms of the memorandum, KAERI will play a pivotal role in developing designs for future reactors and securing the necessary licensing. Hyundai Engineering, on the other hand, will be actively engaged in various aspects, including business planning, financing, and the execution of engineering and construction tasks. The comprehensive collaboration aims to lay the groundwork for full-scale overseas exports.
A notable feature of the exported SMRs is their capacity to generate up to 110 MW of energy, all while maintaining a compact size—one-tenth that of conventional reactors. This design flexibility enables the construction of reactors in remote and mountainous areas, addressing infrastructure challenges and expanding the reach of nuclear power capabilities.
Hyundai Engineering's CEO, Seung-Hyun Hong, expressed optimism about the business agreement, stating that it marks the completion of preparations for extensive overseas exports.
The move aligns with Uzbekistan's broader strategy for nuclear power development, exemplified by a 2018 intergovernmental agreement with Russia. The agreement outlined cooperation in the construction of a nuclear power plant featuring VVER-1200 generation '3+' power units, each with a capacity of 1200 MW.
Founded in 1974 under the name Hyundai Technology Development, Hyundai Engineering has evolved into a leading global engineering firm, symbolizing Korea internationally.
Established in 1959 in Daejeon, South Korea, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is the country's premier research-focused institute dedicated to nuclear power. Over the years, it has gained recognition for its extensive research and development across various domains.
Earlier Daryo reported that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, held significant discussions with Wang Yunjong, the Secretary to the President of the Republic of Korea for Economic Security, in a diplomatic move on December 12. The talks highlighted the strengthening strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and South Korea, covering essential areas of mutual interest and collaboration, as per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.
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