Cho to head global nuclear power body

By Lee Hyo-sik

Cho Seok, CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, delivers an inaugural speech during the World Association of Nuclear Operators meeting in Toronto, Canada, Tuesday. He was elected as the WANO chairman to head the international body for two years. / Courtesy of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power

Cho Seok, CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), was elected to head the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) during the global body’s annual gathering in Toronto, Canada, Tuesday.

Cho will serve as the WANO chairman for two years, which will likely help raise KHNP’s global profile and make it easier for Korea’s state-run nuclear power plant operator to export its knowhow and expertise.

WANO members also decided to hold the next gathering in Gyeongju, South Gyeongsang Province, in October 2017.

WANO, set up in 1989, is an international, non-profit group of nuclear power plant operators whose primary mission is to achieve the highest possible standards of nuclear safety. The body, based in London, has 126 members from 35 nations.

“I am truly honored to be given the important responsibilities and the valuable opportunity to contribute to the development of the world nuclear power industry,” Cho said in his inaugural speech. “I believe that there is a need to create programs for exchanging experiences in plant construction and commissioning, as well as channels to share models for community support.”

The CEO said that WANO should play a crucial role in the ongoing global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. “In order to secure low carbon energy sources, we must pursue shared growth with renewable energy, such as solar and wind power. I hope to reinforce the research for establishing this cooperation model.”

Cho then said the time has come for WANO to commence discussions on cooperation measures on the international level concerning the safe management of radioactive wastes such as spent nuclear fuel.

“This problem should be resolved by our generation, which has enjoyed the benefits of nuclear energy. We must closely collaborate to derive a suitable solution within the framework of international cooperation,” he said.