Activities of haeorum alliance nuclear innovation center for improved public acceptance and research infrastructures

Abstract

Nuclear power plants in Republic of Korea are concentrated at East Sea, especially for Ulsan, Gyeongju, and Pohang, those are affiliated to Haeorum alliance. There have been public acceptance issues on nuclear power plant due to high concentration of nuclear power plant in Haeroum region. The issue is being intensified through the present government`s policies to phase out NPPs, despite absence of alternative energy and blackout risk. To resolve the public acceptance issue and reinforce the safety of NPPs under operation, Haeroum Alliance Nuclear Innovation Center was established at April 2018, funded by Korea hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP), Ulsan, Gyeongju, and Pohang local governments. The center consists of three subcommittees; innovation research committee, scientific technology-society fusion committee, and education committee, participated by six local universities and institutes (UNIST, University of Ulsan, POSTECH, Handong Global University, Dongguk University, Uiduk University). Innovation research committee conducts R&D programs, related to the forth industrial revolution technologies (big data processing, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, drone, virtual reality, and so on) and improvement of nuclear safety, to advance operation technology of NPPs. Scientific technology-society fusion committee carries out activities such as forum, seminar, meeting, small businesses bridge service, to resolve the public acceptance issue. Education committee manages several education programs, training the undergraduates, high school students, and citizens, for the securing of skilled resources and reconsidering of recognition on NPPs. This paper introduces the various activities conducted as R&D programs of Haeorum Alliance Nuclear Innovation Center, and results of the activities in terms public acceptance, scientific technology associated with nuclear safety and fourth industrial revolution, and education.