Kim Jong-shin, CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, is currently heading the organizing committee of the summit, which is held in affiliation with the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit on March 23 and 24
Kim Jong-shin, chairman of the organizing committee and CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, recently remarked that the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Industry Summit would be focusing on the role of the atomic power industry in regards to the enhancement of nuclear safety and security. “This year’s conference will make a great contribution to international nuclear security, while recovering people’s trust in the energy source which has plummeted since the accident in Fukushima,” said the CEO. Following is an interview with him.
What major effects are expected from the Nuclear Industry Summit?
The domestic atomic power industry, including my own company, will play a leading role in drawing up an international agreement and putting it forward to the conference. This will significantly increase the industry’s standing in the global community.
The meeting will also shore up the international nuclear security regime and restore public confidence in atomic energy by showing Korea’s examples regarding its peaceful exploitation on the foundation of nonproliferation.
On the part of KHNP, it will be another valuable opportunity to play host to a large-scale international conference, leading to the accumulation of global experience and corporate capabilities.
Does the meeting have to do with the export of Korean nuclear power stations?
Through the summit, the technological superiority of domestic atomic power companies will be widely publicized, along with their dedication to nuclear safety. I am convinced that the image of such responsible industry leader, will contribute substantially to their overseas business down the road.
What else are you expecting from the convention?
The Nuclear Security and Industry Summits, two of the biggest international conferences ever held in Korea, will be a boon to the nation’s global standing and the presence of the domestic nuclear industry in the global market.
As is well known, Korea is a leading example of those countries that have used nuclear power in a peaceful, safe and secure manner. During the past three decades, it has accounted for roughly 35% of Korea’s total power output and not a single safety accident has occurred. Korea’s technological strength and track record in terms of nuclear power station operation is second to none.
Under these circumstances, the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Industry Summit will create yet another opportunity for the domestic sector to demonstrate its excellence worldwide.
Doubts still remain regarding safety of nuclear power plants. What do you say to that?
The global nuclear power industry has had a hard time finding a breakthrough since the Fukushima radiation leak. However, with energy consumption skyrocketing across the globe, it is also true that no other means has appeared in regards to how to deal with the problem. Some might suggest new and renewable energy sources like wind and tidal power. However, they have a long way to go before efficient commercial utilization.
A nuclear power plant is the fruit of the most advanced scientific technology. I believe what matters is how we make use of it. Relevant technologies are in constant development and drawbacks can be dealt with by technological development. If we raise the safety standards, allowing for every scenario, even worst-case ones, atomic technology will be a superb tool for the prosperity of Humanity.
Are plans for the enhancement of nuclear power plant safety in Korea going well?
Since the disaster in Japan, we have implemented special safety inspection programs at all 21 stations in the territory. Furthermore, the earthquake resistance of major facilities is going to be reinforced in order to be commensurate with that of the latest stations. A total of 1.1 trillion won is scheduled to be invested until 2015 to that end.
Please say a few words regarding the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Industry Summit.
Korea has hosted the Olympic Games in 1988, FIFA World Cup in 2002 and more recently the G20 Summit, , all of which boosted the international standing of the country. The 2012 Seoul Nuclear Industry Summit will be an event even bigger than these three, attended by the heads of a large number of states and renowned leaders of international organizations.
I am hoping that the entire nation will show their deep interest and support for the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security and Industry Summits as it is crucial that Korea builds on the opportunities and become an even more influential leader in the international community.