OECD/NEA Division Head Visited KAERI

Mr. Ho NIEH, Head of the Division of Nuclear Safety Technology and Regulations at OECD/NEA, visited KAERI on March 15, 2016 to discuss ways to promote bilateral cooperation with KAERI and OECD/NEA in the area of nuclear safety.

During this meeting, KAERI participants gave an overview of nuclear safety research conducted at KAERI as well as research activities on thermal-hydraulic safety, severe accidents, risk analysis, and environmental safety. Noting that the activities of OECD/NEA are mostly focused on international joint research collaboration projects related to nuclear safety, both sides reached a consensus on further promoting collaboration in this area. Mr. Nieh was interested in knowing any action plans taken in Korea in the wake of the Fukushima accident. He was informed of subsequent action taken, such as the installation of added emergency power feeding equipment in the NPPs, and strengthened nuclear safety achieved through a comprehensive safety assessment of all operating NPPs. Related to this, the KAERI side mentioned that it is committed to faithfully performing its duties in creating and providing first class expertise and knowledge in the development of nuclear systems with the highest level of safety, and in facil
itating communication with the public on reliable nuclear safety information.

KAERI expressed its hope that the NEA will continue to take the lead in international efforts for post-accident activities, such as accident analyses, restoration support, decontamination, and improvements in nuclear safety, and that it is ready to provide full support for these activities through our experience and technology. It should be noted that KAERI will continue to increase its financial and personnel contributions to strengthen our role within the NEA by actively participating in international collaboration projects and other activities.

KAERI has been an active member of various CSNI and Working Group activities for the enhancement and application of nuclear safety technology. KAERI has been participating in the most important OECD/NEA joint projects and cooperative programs organized through the CSNI. In particular, during 2007 to 2012, KAERI hosted the OECD/NEA SERENA project on a nuclear steam explosion in collaboration with CEA, France, using our TROI test facility. The OECD/NEA ATLAS Project is underway with the participation of 16 countries. The U.S. NRC has been the biggest supporter for NEA programs with the ATLAS facility.

KAERI hopes to further expand its role in the NEA’s nuclear and radiation safety related activities through CSNI, CRPPH, and partly CNRA by utilizing its R&D infrastructure and expertise for nuclear safety globally through well-organized NEA programs.