South Korea’s largest nuclear operator is pushing to expand its footprint in the global decommissioning market through a new partnership with Slovakia’s state-owned nuclear waste manager JAVYS.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, a Korea Electric Power subsidiary, signed a cooperation agreement with JAVYS to share technical knowledge and resources for nuclear plant decommissioning and radioactive waste handling. The deal comes as KHNP seeks to build its capabilities beyond domestic operations.
JAVYS brings significant experience to the partnership, currently managing the shutdown of three nuclear facilities including the Bohunice plants. The Slovak company, spun off from national utility Slovenske Elektrarne in 2006, will conduct joint workshops and training programs with KHNP focused on dismantling nuclear sites safely.
The Korean utility, which operates most of the country’s nuclear fleet, aims to leverage JAVYS’s expertise to strengthen its position in the growing global market for decommissioning services. Nuclear operators worldwide face mounting pressure to safely retire aging reactors and manage radioactive materials.
KHNP’s president indicated the collaboration would enhance the company’s waste management capabilities while creating opportunities to secure international decommissioning contracts. The companies plan to explore ways to optimize supply chains and share best practices through regular technical exchanges.
