S. Korea proposes creation of global nuclear energy day

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's education and science minister on
Tuesday proposed the creation of a "Day of Nuclear Energy" to promote sharing of
knowhow on peaceful atomic technology use, the government said Tuesday.

Delivering a keynote speech at the 53rd General Conference of the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Minister Ahn Byong-man pointed out the
need to highlight the advantages of nuclear power as countries around the world
strive to build more reactors, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
said.
It said that Ahn called for highlighting the advantages of nuclear energy, which
is cheaper than burning fossil fuel and produces much less pollution. The
minister stressed that creating a special day could also facilitate the exchange
of information between atomic energy leaders and developing countries.
He added that Seoul will provide funds for the IAEA's extra budget starting in
2010 that can help train experts in nuclear energy from developing countries.
The minister, meanwhile, held talks with Khalid Toukan, chairman of Jordan's
Atomic Energy Commission, to promote South Korea's accumulated knowhow in nuclear
energy and its ability to make research reactors. Jordan has expressed an
interest in buying a 5 megawatt research reactor unit that could cost US$100
million.
Research reactors do not generate power, but are used to make radioactive
materials for medicinal and scientific purposes.
South Korea is currently locked in a four-way race with Argentina, Russia and
China to win the Jordanian deal. Seoul views the global research reactor market
as having considerable growth potential with up to 40 countries requiring as many
as 50 new units in the near future.
The country has been operating its 30 megawatt Hanaro unit since 1995, and is
capable of designing and building its own reactors.
South Korea, with 20 commercial reactors, currently ranks sixth in terms of power
production after the United States, France, Japan, Russia and Germany.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)

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