South Korean

Localization

Experience How Similar Approach Could

Benefit South Africa in the Long-

Term

Lebogang Maseko

South Korea

The Miracle on Han River

• The rapid

reconstruction

and development

of the economy

of South Korea

after Korean war.

Background

•After the Korean war in 1953, the Republic of

Korea embarked on a series of economic

development plans.

•Special emphasis on technology, science and

research.

•Atomic Energy Agency (AEC), Korea Atomic

Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and Korea

Atomic Energy Commission (KAEC) were

established.

Background (cont.)

•The role of AEC to take charge of the atomic

energy development task.

•The role of KAEC was to advise on policy,

budget, and regulation related to atomic energy.

•The role of KAERI was to conduct research on

the application of radiation and radioisotope for

agricultural and medical uses.

Background (cont.)

•25 reactors provide about one-third (24GWe) of

South Korea's electricity.

•Korea has accumulated extensive localization

experience in nuclear technology development

and nuclear power plant construction and

operation.

•Korea had successfully localized 95% of nuclear

power technology by 1995.

Questions

•How did Korea achieve technological localization

in such a short time?

•How did government policies aid localization in

Korea?

•What lessons are there for South Africa to learn?

Milestones towards

Self-Reliance

Preparation • Becomes IAEA member. • Introduces nuclear energy

policy. • GNP per capita < $100.

Preparation • Establishment of NEPIO. • Master Plan to introduce 3 nuclear plants. • Invests in training – 240 students sent abroad. • KEPCO becomes Owner/Operator. • US gifts KAERI with TRIGA-Mark II.

Technological Dependency • Turnkey contract and foreign contractors. • Construction of Kori-1,2 & Wolsong-1. • Machinery localization policy.

Technological Acquisition • Foreign main contractors & local sub-

contractors. • Korea Heavy Industry and Construction (KHIC)

becomes main equipment supplier. • Construction of Kori-3,4, Yonggwan-1,2,

Ulchin-1,2. • Korea Nuclear Fuel founded.

Technological Self-Reliance • Local main contractors and foreign subcontractors. • Construction of Yonggngwan-3,4.

Technological Standardization • Korean Standard Nuclear Power Plant (KSNP), used as the prototype

OPR-1000 reactors. • Construction of Ulchin-3,4,5,6, and Yonggngwan-5,6, Shinpo.

Technological Export • Barakah – UAE. • Advanced Power Reactor 1400 MWe. • Export Components to US and China.

Alignment Between Nuclear Program and Development Plans

South Africa’s

Position

Current Status

•Nuclear Energy Policy & IRP 2010-2030 - in

place.

•National Nuclear Regulator - safety standards

and regulatory practices.

•Eskom - Owner/Operator of Koeberg.

•Necsa - Research & development, training, and

radioisotope production.

•Uranium exploration and mining - beneficiation.

Current Status (cont.)

South Korea

South Africa

KAERI

• R & D, Training, Radioisotope production.

NECSA

• R & D, Training, Radioisotope production,

Nuclear Manufacturing.

Doosan

• Heavy Equipment Manufacturer.

Industrialize component, small to medium

equipment manufacturing sector.

KEPCO

• Owner/Operator.

ESKOM

• Owner/Operator of Koeberg.

Samsung & Hyundai

• Engineering and Construction.

Plans still yet to be finalized.

Korea Nuclear Fuel

• Fuel Manufacturing.

• Previously NECSA operated fuel cycle

facilities.

• Currently conducting feasibility studies into

fuel cycle facilities.

KOPEC

• Architecture Engineering.

• NECSA hopes to assist with A/E functions.

Necsa Involvement in the New Build

•Component, Small to medium equipment

manufacturing.

•Multi-purpose research reactor.

•Fuel cycle (Conversion and Enrichment).

•Architect engineering function.

•Skills development.

•Enterprise supplier development.

Localization Steps to Follow

National Industry Survey

Establish a Strategy

Localization Plan

Transfer Plant Technology

Categorization of Local Companies

Investment

Upgrade and Expand Industrial Facilities and

Programs

Self-Reliance Program

How can South

Africa achieve its

localization goals?

Lessons learned from South Korea

•Strong government commitment.

• Invest extensively in education and training.

•Deliberate pre-agreed localization plan - managed

over time.

•Social cohesion, and a labour intensive

industrialization plan.

•Localization goals need to be aligned with industrial

development goals.

Lessons Learned from South Korea(cont.)

•Deal with public acceptance issues, and gain

public support.

•Sound nuclear policies.

•Nuclear power program should be in compliance

of national policies.

•Co-operation with the vendor in training will

stimulate technology transfer.

THANK YOU

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