South Korea's KEPCO E&C advances marine reactor plan
· UPIAug. 3 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's KEPCO Engineering & Construction is accelerating development of its BANDI marine small modular reactor as the country's major shipbuilders compete for positions in the emerging offshore nuclear power and nuclear propulsion markets.
KEPCO E&C is planning a government-funded research and development project for BANDI, nuclear industry officials said Monday.
The proposed program would be led by KEPCO E&C and seek to develop a standardized marine reactor design that could be adapted for floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-propelled vessels.
The company is conducting preliminary planning and aims to submit a project plan and request for proposals in early 2027. Subject to government review and approval, the national research project could begin in 2029.
BANDI is a Generation III+ pressurized-water reactor designed to produce 200 megawatts of thermal power and about 60 megawatts of electricity.
The distinction is important because 200 MWt refers to the heat generated by the reactor, while 60 MWe refers to the electricity produced after that heat is converted through a power-generation system.
KEPCO E&C is developing BANDI largely from established light-water reactor technology, rather than relying on a less mature fourth-generation reactor concept. The company says that approach could reduce technological and licensing risks while improving its prospects for commercialization.
Marine small modular reactors can be installed on ships or floating platforms. Depending on their configuration, they can generate electricity for coastal or remote areas or provide propulsion for large commercial vessels.
Interest in the technology is growing as the international shipping industry seeks lower-carbon alternatives to conventional marine fuels. The International Maritime Organization has adopted a goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.
South Korean shipbuilders are pursuing several different marine nuclear projects.
Samsung Heavy Industries is working with U.S. engineering company Sargent & Lundy on a standardized floating small modular reactor platform.
Samsung Heavy is also cooperating with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering on a nuclear-powered container ship using molten salt reactor technology.
That project differs from BANDI because molten salt reactors are generally categorized as fourth-generation reactor systems, while BANDI is based on commercially established pressurized-water reactor technology.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is also pursuing nuclear-powered vessel technology and offshore power systems that could support energy-intensive facilities such as marine data centers.
KEPCO E&C plans to compete by emphasizing BANDI's use of proven reactor technology and by building a consortium across the nuclear and shipbuilding industries.
The company has continued discussions with Hanwha Ocean over possible joint development. Once a government-backed program is established, KEPCO E&C plans to form a broader partnership involving shipbuilders, nuclear fuel suppliers, equipment manufacturers and institutions specializing in maritime regulations.
The government project, however, has not yet been formally approved, and the participating companies and detailed scope could change during the planning and review process.
KEPCO E&C has outlined a phased development schedule.
The company aims to establish a business model and make an initial investment decision in 2027. It plans to complete a standardized design and begin licensing preparations around 2030.
Testing of major systems, verification under marine conditions and regulatory reviews would follow. The company's current goal is to complete an offshore demonstration by 2035 and be ready for commercial deployment beginning in 2038.
Those dates represent development targets rather than confirmed licensing or operating schedules. Actual deployment would depend on technical verification, investment decisions and approval from nuclear and maritime regulators.
"BANDI is being considered as a government research and development project led by our company," a KEPCO E&C official said.
"Marine small modular reactors require substantial development funding, so we plan to accelerate the program through government-supported research."
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260803010000709