Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power announced on the 25th that it has officially launched the APR Owners Group (hereinafter referred to as APROG), the world's first international nuclear power organization based on the APR model. This is the first time that KHNP has established an international organization.

KHNP noted that by establishing APROG, which includes ENEC Operations (hereinafter referred to as ENEC), the operator of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it has presented a new model of cooperation among global nuclear power operators that utilize the APR model.

On Oct. 24, KHNP officially launched the world's first international nuclear power organization, the APR Owners Group. Participants, including Vice President of Technology Lee Sang-min (fifth from the left), are taking a commemorative photo. /Courtesy of KHNP

The launch ceremony, held on the 24th at the Narū Hotel in Seoul, was attended by Lee Sang-min, KHNP's vice president of technology, and Saleh Al Shehhi, ENEC's chief operating officer, along with domestic and international nuclear power officials who pledged to strengthen cooperation.

Nuclear power operators around the world are actively forming Owners Groups to enhance the safety and efficiency of nuclear plants by exchanging experience and technical information and benchmarking among institutions operating specific nuclear power models.

KHNP was previously a member of PWROG (pressurized water reactor owners group), COG (CANDU owners group), FROG (Framatome owners group), among others. Through the launch of APROG, KHNP has been evaluated as having reached a new turning point in leading the global nuclear market as an ownership institution, beyond being a mere member of the international Owners Group.

To enhance the global recognition of the APR brand, KHNP plans to concentrate its capabilities in joint research and development (R&D) and explore innovative ways to operate nuclear power plants by incorporating advanced technologies. Through this, it aims to expand cooperation so that the APR model can secure competitiveness in future new nuclear construction projects and establish a stronger position in the international nuclear market.

Currently, a total of eight APR units are operating globally, including four at the new and Shin Hanul nuclear power plants in South Korea and four at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE. Four additional units are under construction in South Korea.