KHNP and Orano Sign a Memorandum of Understanding for Nuclear Fuel Cooperation

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and France-based Orano announced on April 3rd that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Global and Mutual Cooperation in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, which is carrying out the full nuclear fuel cycle business, at Blue House.

Under this agreement, KHNP and Orano will establish a broad cooperation framework covering the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, from securing uranium raw materials to processing stages such as conversion and enrichment. In particular, the two companies plan to strengthen their mid- to long-term fuel supply foundation through collaboration linked to new production facilities, and to build a stable nuclear fuel supply system resilient to external environmental changes.

The agreement was concluded at a Korea–France leaders’ event held during the visit of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to South of Korea, with both leaders in attendance. This agreement is significant in that it elevates bilateral cooperation in the nuclear fuel sector beyond a simple partnership to a strategic level, and establishes a close coordination framework to jointly respond to global resource security challenges.

Amid growing global security concerns, including armed conflicts in the Middle East, that are intensifying instability in the supply of key energy resources, KHNP is accelerating efforts to strengthen nuclear fuel resource security to ensure the stable operation of nuclear power plant, a key national power source.

Nicolas Maes, Chief Executive Officer of Orano, said: “We are proud to further strengthen our longstanding partnership with KHNP across the entire fuel cycle. This agreement highlights the increasing importance of our strategic cooperation in ensuring a safe, stable, and competitive energy supply through nuclear power.”

Hoe Chun KIM, the President and CEO of KHNP remarked, “Amid escalating global security challenges, the signing of this MoU in the presence of the leaders of both countries is a highly symbolic achievement in terms of national resource security. Based on our deep trust with Orano built over 40 years, KHNP will establish a future-oriented supply system, diversify the nuclear fuel supply chain, and maximize supply stability.”

Photo provided by Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House)