Korea’s APR1400 Reactor Set for U.S. Debut
Korea has achieved a milestone by reverse-exporting its proprietary reactor design to the United States, the country from which it originally acquired nuclear technology, half a century after first introducing nuclear power. Having built Kori Unit 1 in 1978 using Westinghouse technology from the Uni
Korea has achieved a significant milestone by exporting its proprietary APR1400 reactor design to the United States, a move that follows the country's first nuclear power plant construction using Westinghouse technology in 1978. The project, announced on October 1st, involves the construction of eight large-scale nuclear reactors worth $120 billion, with 60% of a $200 billion strategic investment fund allocated to nuclear energy initiatives.
Two of the eight reactors will utilize Korea's own APR1400 design, marking the first instance of a foreign reactor design being introduced on American soil. The Korean government proposed the idea to the U.S., rejecting an initial LNG terminal project in Louisiana. Westinghouse, initially opposed due to intellectual property concerns, was eventually persuaded by highlighting the mixed results of Westinghouse's own projects in the U.S. The Korean government's strategy involved engaging the U.S. Department of Energy, state governments, and Congress, with a focus on the successful but delayed Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia.
The agreement also allows for potential Korean investment in Westinghouse, aiming to secure shares at a discounted rate ahead of an anticipated IPO.
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