"Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly permeating everyday life and industry, emerging as a key driver of the national economy. Nuclear power is a realistic energy source that can reliably support soaring electricity demand."
Kim Hoe-cheon, president of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP), said this in his opening remarks at the 2026 Korea Nuclear Annual Conference, held on the 22nd at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center (BEXCO) in Busan. The event, under the theme "Nuclear power opening the AI era," runs through the 24th.
Kim said, "Countries around the world are expanding nuclear power plants to respond to surging electricity demand," and added, "Korea will continue operating existing nuclear plants, and we have also applied for standard design approval for small modular reactors (SMRs)."
In the United States, the goal is to expand nuclear capacity more than fourfold by 2050. China has said it will operate more than 100 nuclear reactors, and France said it will build 16 additional reactors. In the United States and Canada, SMRs have entered the initial construction phase.
Kim said, "I expect the global nuclear industry to put safety first and to cooperate and build solidarity actively," and added, "I hope this conference becomes an opportunity for experts from each country gathered here to share information and seek avenues for cooperation."
Since hosting the first conference in 1986, the Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF) has held the Korea Nuclear Annual Conference every year. This year's conference is co-hosted by the Pacific Nuclear Council (PNC)—formed by 14 nuclear-related organizations from 10 countries, with the Pacific Basin Nuclear Conference (PBNC) as the organizing body—and the Korean Nuclear Society. The Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources sponsor the event, and major domestic and international corporations, including Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP), are participating as sponsors.