Korea and Britain discuss possible cooperation on nuclear plants

The Shin-Kori 3 and 4 reactors, located in Ulsan. [YONHAP]

Korea and the United Kingdom discussed possible joint nuclear plant projects, the Energy Ministry said Monday.

Minister Lee Chang-yang of Trade, Industry and Energy on Monday met with Grant Shapps, the secretary of state for the British Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, at Lotte Hotel Seoul in central Seoul.

The two countries released a joint declaration that day, outlining possible cooperation in the nuclear plant projects in Britain and promising to bolster ties in offshore wind, hydrogen and other energy-related sectors.

The aim is to jointly enhance energy security amid the global transition away from fossil fuels.

According to the Energy Ministry, Lee and Shapps discussed possible cooperation in nuclear plant design, construction and engineering, as well as small modular reactor projects.

“Korea has competitive strength in nuclear plant designing and construction, and equipment manufacturing, while the United Kingdom specializes in nuclear decommissioning and reactor fuels,” said Lee, adding that “the two countries can establish complementary cooperation.”

The plan is to further strengthen cooperation in the nuclear sector, following the launch of Great British Nuclear, a government agency dedicated to nuclear projects, in March.

Shapps plans to visit the Shin Kori nuclear power plants and Korea Radioactive Waste Agency during his stay in Korea.

Lee also mentioned possible cooperation in the hydrogen sector, saying that “Korea has experiences and leading technologies in hydrogen utilization, as the country has the highest number of hydrogen-powered vehicle deployed,” while “the UK has leading technological capabilities in hydrogen production, which involve water electrolysis and more.”

Offshore wind farm projects and Britain’s ongoing regulation revision on energy-efficient home appliance design were discussed during the meeting, said the ministry.

This year marks the 140th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between Korea and the United Kingdom.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]