Why South Korea Is an Ideal Partner for ASEAN in Nuclear Energy Development
Southeast Asia is experiencing rapid economic development and population growth, resulting in surging electricity demand. While seeking to expand energy access, ASEAN also aims to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and meet emissions reduction targets. Nuclear power presents an optimal solution, and South Korea stands out as the ideal partner for ASEAN nations pursuing nuclear energy. South Korea has emerged as a true leader in nuclear energy technology and expertise. South Korea's expertise and decades of experience offer invaluable guidance for ASEAN states embarking on nuclear power. Starting in the 1970s, South Korea systematically built up its nuclear energy sector despite skepticism. Today, South Korea operates 25 reactors that supply about one-third of its electricity. The indigenous APR1400 reactor design has obtained certification in the US and Europe, affirming its safety and technological excellence. By constructing an APR1400 nuclear plant in the UAE, South Korea demonstrated its project management skills in deploying reactor technology abroad.
Current Status of Nuclear Energy in ASEAN
ASEAN comprises 11 countries, housing approximately 660 million people. The demographic and economic surge in nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines has drawn global attention to Southeast Asia's energy sector. Over the past 15 years, the region's energy demand has surged by 60%, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), primarily met by imported fossil fuels, accounting for over 90% of the increase. With over 40% of its energy being imported and a high reliance on non-renewables, Southeast Asia now confronts the challenge of balancing its growing energy needs with supply security and environmental management.
ASEAN countries have invested substantial efforts in reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and decarbonizing their economies. They have formulated mid-term and long-term plans to slash no less than 20% of their GHG emissions, paving the way towards achieving carbon neutrality in the future. Furthermore, the member states of ASEAN have set a target of achieving a 23% share of renewable energy in their primary energy mix by 2025.
The demand for electricity in Southeast Asia is on a rapid incline. ASEAN aims to ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy access for all member states by 2025. However, meeting this goal has proven challenging, particularly as many ASEAN countries seek to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to low-carbon energy sources. One potential solution gaining interest is nuclear power. Nuclear energy could assist ASEAN in meeting their escalating electricity needs and achieving emission reduction targets. South Korea, with its advanced nuclear power technology and expertise, stands out as a potential ideal partner to aid in developing nuclear power across Southeast Asia.
South Korea's Expertise and Leadership in Nuclear Energy
South Korea embarked on its nuclear energy journey in 1972, a period when its per-capita income lagged behind even North Korea's. Despite skepticism about the feasibility of their ambitious plans, South Korea's sustained economic growth has not only validated its nuclear ambitions but positioned it as a global leader in nuclear technology.
Over subsequent decades, South Korea's nuclear energy sector has witnessed substantial growth, transforming the nation into an exporter of nuclear technology. The indigenous APR1400 reactor design, deployed at the Shin-Kori nuclear plant with units 3 and 4 completed in 2016 and 2019, represents a significant advancement. Boasting a generation capacity of 1400 MW and a design lifetime of 60 years, the APR1400 surpasses the capabilities of Generation III reactors. Notably, this Korean design has obtained regulatory certification in Europe and the United States, affirming its safety and technological excellence.
In the international scale, South Korea has taken strides by constructing four APR1400 units at the Barakah nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first export of this Korean model. The South Korean government, anticipating a growing global demand for nuclear power, has set an ambitious goal for KEPCO to capture 20% of the world nuclear power plant market over the next two decades. The contract for the four-unit Barakah plant, valued at around $20 billion, not only showcased South Korea's technological prowess but also established a potential template for future exports. Awarded over competitors Areva and General Electric-Hitachi, the contract underscored South Korea's competitiveness in the global nuclear energy landscape.
The South Korean government expects KEPCO’s reactor sale to the UAE to constitute the leading edge of a much larger nuclear power marketing effort throughout the world. According to the Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE), which is responsible for industrial and trade policy, had established a goal for South Korea to capture 20% of the world nuclear power plant market during the next 20 years. Based on an estimated world market of about 400 large commercial reactors through 2030, a 20% penetration would result in South Korean exports of 80 reactors during the next 20 years, with an estimated value of $400 billion. The goal set by the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy for a 20% South Korean share of the global nuclear power plant market would place South Korea about equal to Russia and behind only France and the United States in the nuclear market, according to a ministry report to President Lee.
Simultaneously, South Korea is developing the SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor), a 330 MWt pressurized water reactor with integral steam generators and advanced safety features. The SMART reactor is designed not only for electricity generation (up to 100 MWe) but also for various thermal applications, including seawater desalination. With a design life of 60 years and a three-year refueling cycle, this reactor represents an exciting development.
Originating in 1997 and gaining momentum through pre-project engineering work from 2015 to 2018, the SMART reactor project is a collaborative effort between South Korea and Saudi Arabia. The current focus is on securing Standard Design Approval for the reactor, marked by the significant milestone of receiving the first-ever Standard Design Approval (SDA) from the Korean regulatory body for a 100 MWe (330 MWt) integral reactor in 2012. Upon obtaining this approval, the construction of the initial SMART reactor will commence in earnest, signaling a promising advancement in South Korea's nuclear technology portfolio.
Why South Korea is an Ideal Nuclear Partner for ASEAN
South Korea's expertise and decades of experience offer invaluable guidance for ASEAN states embarking on nuclear power. Starting in the 1970s, South Korea systematically built up its nuclear energy sector despite skepticism. Today, South Korea operates 25 reactors that supply about one-third of its electricity. The indigenous APR1400 reactor design has obtained certification in the US and Europe, affirming its safety and technological excellence. By constructing an APR1400 nuclear plant in the UAE, South Korea demonstrated its project management skills in deploying reactor technology abroad.
Meanwhile, South Korea is developing the advanced SMART reactor, designed for electricity and desalination. The SMART project, done collaboratively with Saudi Arabia, is a modular, small reactor with enhanced safety features - ideal for many ASEAN countries. Obtaining design approval for the SMART reactor will further expand South Korea's portfolio of cutting-edge technologies.
With its proven record of safe reactor operations and ability to deliver complex nuclear projects abroad, South Korea has demonstrated strengths relevant to ASEAN members seeking nuclear power. Forming partnerships with South Korea provides ASEAN with turnkey assistance to develop the human capital and regulatory institutions needed to utilize nuclear technology safely and economically. By tapping into South Korea's expertise, ASEAN can adopt the most advanced reactor designs and benefit from shared knowledge. Considering South Korea's global stature and continued innovation, it stands out as the most capable ally for ASEAN's nuclear energy goals.
