战略与国际研究中心-Workshop-on-South-Korea-as-a-Responsible-Nuclear-Supplier_12页_2mb

Workshop Summary: South Korea as a Responsible Nuclear Supplier

Core Content

This workshop, hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Asan Institute for Policy Studies on February 18, 2013, in Seoul, focused on the opportunities and challenges that South Korea (ROK) faces as a new nuclear supplier. The event aimed to define the responsibilities of nuclear suppliers and explore practical ways to fulfill them, especially in the context of the ROK-UAE deal for four APR-1400 reactors at Barakah. The discussions emphasized the importance of safety, security, and safeguards in nuclear supply and highlighted the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to nuclear governance.

Main Participants

• Dr. Emma Belcher
• Dr. Jor-shan Choi
• Dr. Ferenc Dalnoki-Veress
• Dr. Robert Gallucci
• Dr. Alan Hanson
• Mr. Mark Hibbs
• Ms. Gretchen Hund
• Dr. Jun Bong-Geun
• Dr. Lee Jong-Ho
• Dr. Lee Kun Jai
• Dr. Steven Miller
• Ms. Jane Nakano
• Amb. Park Robyug
• Dr. Seo Jong Tae
• Dr. Shin Chang-Hoon
• Ms. Sharon Squassoni
• Dr. Yim Man-Sung
• Dr. Yoo Ho Sik

Key Conclusions

• South Korea, as a relatively new nuclear supplier, has both the opportunity and the responsibility to demonstrate safe and secure nuclear exports. The ROK-UAE deal is seen as a key benchmark for setting norms.
• The ROK's ambitious export goals and domestic construction plans will place significant strain on its human resources, especially due to the aging workforce and declining youth interest in nuclear careers.
• A combination of unilateral, bilateral, multilateral, and vendor-level approaches is necessary for responsible nuclear supply. Suppliers must take the initiative in ensuring responsible practices.
• The ROK's nuclear industry is at a critical juncture, with challenges in capacity, financing, and public acceptance of nuclear energy.

Background of the South Korean Nuclear Export Regime

• South Korea has developed its nuclear technology and manufacturing capabilities over the past 30 years, aiming to increase domestic content in its nuclear power plants.
• The country is positioning itself to become the world's third-largest nuclear supplier, with a goal of exporting more than 80 reactors by 2030.
• The 2011 Fukushima accident prompted a reevaluation of nuclear governance and safety standards, emphasizing the need for a global approach to nuclear supply chain management.
• South Korea's nuclear export regulatory framework includes agencies such as the Korea Strategic Trade Institute (KOSTI) and the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC), with the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) having the final say on export licenses.

Capacity Issues for the Domestic Korean Nuclear Industry

• The ROK's goal of 59% nuclear energy in total electricity generation by 2030 requires significant expansion in domestic nuclear construction.
• The KEPCO-led UAE project has doubled the number of reactors built annually, increasing demand for human resources to 11,000 by 2015.
• The aging of the first-generation workforce and lack of interest from the younger generation pose long-term challenges.
• Programs like the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) have been initiated to train new nuclear workers.
• Recent scandals involving spare parts have affected public acceptance of nuclear energy, potentially impacting the current five-year energy plan.
• Nuclear safety regulations have evolved over time, with the establishment of the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) in 1989 marking a significant step.

Trends in International Nuclear Supply

• The "nuclear renaissance" is expected to see growth in developing countries rather than developed ones, due to the influence of the Fukushima accident.
• Natural gas is a major challenge for nuclear growth, especially in countries with untapped unconventional gas resources.
• The U.S. and France face declining competitiveness in the nuclear market, while Russia has taken a more aggressive approach with innovative contracts.
• Japan's nuclear industry is hindered by public distrust and internal competition.
• China and India are emerging as potential nuclear suppliers, though they face their own challenges, including limited technology and lack of international recognition.

Building Export Capacity in Korea

• South Korea has concluded 26 nuclear cooperation agreements and is involved in multiple export control regimes.
• The UAE deal has placed KEPCO in the spotlight, raising questions about its ability to complete the project successfully.
• Success in nuclear exports is defined by timely, budget-friendly construction, no litigation or safety violations, and sufficient transparency.
• The Principles of Conduct for Nuclear Power Plant Exporters are being considered for enhancement to improve integrity in procurement.
• Corporate sustainability and responsible investment are being explored as models for nonproliferation and stakeholder trust.

Roles and Responsibilities of New Nuclear Suppliers

• "Responsible" nuclear supply is defined as behavior that does not increase the risk of radiation release, including nuclear accidents, security threats, or proliferation risks.
• Suppliers must ensure that recipient countries are capable of safely operating nuclear facilities.
• Fuel cycle limitations, especially on enrichment and reprocessing, are crucial for preventing proliferation.
• The UAE-ROK agreement allows for uranium enrichment up to 20%, despite the UAE's legal restrictions, highlighting the need for clear policy alignment.
• A centralized information clearinghouse for export-related issues is suggested to improve transparency and compliance.
• The ROK needs to better address nuclear trade with non-NPT members and establish a practical definition of effective export control.

Wrap-Up of the Workshop

• The workshop compared South Korea's nuclear export trajectory with that of India, noting that India is still in the early stages of nuclear export development.
• The next workshop in China is expected to cover different aspects due to the distinct nature of the U.S.-China relationship.
• The event emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments and industry to ensure responsible nuclear supply and reduce proliferation risks.

CSIS Proliferation Prevention Program

• The program aims to develop tools for slowing proliferation, identify next steps in arms control, and promote a sustainable and safe nuclear future.
• The Sustainable Nuclear Futures Project, supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, provides a framework for analyzing nuclear supplier responsibilities.

Asan Nuclear Policy and Technology Center

• The center focuses on achieving a nuclear-weapon-free Korean peninsula and promoting peaceful nuclear use.
• It is part of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, an independent, nonpartisan think tank based in Seoul.