Westinghouse signs supply agreement with KHNP

A long-term supply agreement for replacement parts for nuclear power plants has been signed between Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power and Westinghouse. KHNP expects the agreement to shorten the procurement process for such equipment.

A long-term supply agreement for replacement parts for nuclear power plants has been signed between Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) and Westinghouse. KHNP expects the agreement to shorten the procurement process for such equipment.

The signing of the agreement (Image: KHNP)

The agreement was signed on 25 February by Westinghouse's executive vice president for Asia, Gavin Liu, and KHNP managing director Taegyeong Son.

The agreement sets the terms of the contract, such as the quality, technology and price for the equipment to be supplied for at least five years.

KHNP said the agreement is expected to "greatly contribute to the timely procurement of key components for nuclear power plants and to significantly reduce the future maintenance procurement process".

KHNP said that, in response to the Fukushima accident, it is seeking key foreign suppliers to strengthen the supply chain, as well as enhancing quality and technical standards. Securing a stable supply of replacement parts will also have economic advantages, it said, as it will be able to secure an "advantageous price" for equipment bought through large purchases.

According to Westinghouse's website, the company has provided technology and major equipment for 20 nuclear power plants (14 plants in operation and six plants under construction) in South Korea. It said it is currently participating in Korea's new plant projects, including Shin Kori units 1 and 2, Shin Wolsung 1 and 2 and Shin Kori 3 and 4.

Westinghouse said it is supplying major components (reactor coolant pumps and motors, reactor vessel internals), instrumentation and control equipment, man-machine interface systems, and technical and engineering support services. The company also said it helps KHNP operate its nuclear plants "at the highest performance level by providing top-notch technology and products based on Westinghouse global experience in both nuclear services and nuclear fuel".

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News