Simulator launched for development of Korea's i-SMR

Monday, 1 July 2024

The i-SMR is an integrated pressurised water reactor type nuclear power plant with an electrical output of 170 MWe. It is being developed according to a development roadmap, with the goal of completing the standard design by the end of 2025 and obtaining standard design approval in 2028.The i-SMR operation verification simulator will be used to verify design and operation suitability, and the verification results derived from the simulator operation process will be reflected in the standard design process, KHNP said.

It noted that the simulator developed to date is an early version that reflects the concept and basic design of the i-SMR.

The launch of the i-SMR simulator (Image: KHNP)

The concept and basic design of the i-SMR was completed at the end of last year, and standard design will be carried out by December 2025. After 2025, update work will be carried out to reflect the standard design in the simulator, and development is accelerating with the goal of completing the simulator in the first half of 2027.

Once the simulator is completed, KHNP plans to use it to continue verifying the operational suitability of the i-SMR standard design, and plans to use the verification results as additional data for standard design approval.

"We will focus our existing experience in developing large-scale nuclear power plant simulators and the capabilities of researchers at KHNP to help obtain i-SMR standard design approval by creating a high-fidelity simulator," said Shin Ho-chul, head of the KHNP Central Research Institute.

KHNP has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Nusantara Power - a power generation subsidiary of Indonesian Electric Power Corporation - on mutual cooperation for the introduction and construction of the i-SMR in Indonesia. Through this MoU, the two companies will cooperate in various fields, including: joint basic research on the economic feasibility and technology for deployment of the i-SMR in Indonesia; development of local specialised technology through R&D cooperation; and collaboration through human/technology exchanges in the nuclear field through the formation of a working group.

KHNP has also signed an MoU on mutual cooperation with the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission for the deployment of the i-SMR in Jordan. The two organisations agreed to cooperate in comprehensive technology and information exchange on the i-SMR and to jointly conduct a feasibility study. Jordan is currently considering the introduction of SMRs after 2030 in preparation of expected increased electricity demand.