Original source: https://www.korea.kr/news/policyNewsView.do?newsId=148964388
South Korea said the government will take a more direct role in negotiations and coordination for nuclear power exports. The plan also strengthens joint management between Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), which had previously handled some export markets separately.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said it will launch a public-private nuclear export planning committee and push legislation tentatively called the Nuclear Export Promotion Act within this year. The government also wants broader authority to review major decisions involving financing, investment, contracts and key asset transfers in public nuclear export projects.
Key facts
- The government plans to lead negotiations and consultations with partner countries more directly.
- KEPCO and KHNP will coordinate export development more closely under a one-team approach.
- A public-private planning committee will review project design, economics and risk.
- Legislation is planned to formalize support measures and oversight tools for nuclear exports.
The announcement reflects the fact that nuclear exports are long-cycle infrastructure projects involving diplomacy, financing, construction and operations rather than ordinary merchandise trade. Officials also linked the move to current export opportunities in markets such as the United States, the Czech Republic and Vietnam.