South Korea's industry minister defends Czech nuclear deal

SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - South Korea’s industry minister on Monday defended the country’s contentious nuclear power contract with the Czech Republic, calling it a “standard agreement” despite mounting criticism over its terms and the involvement of U.S. nuclear firm Westinghouse.

Speaking during a parliamentary audit, Industry Minister Kim Jung-gwan acknowledged that “every agreement has its pros and cons,” but argued that the deal gives South Korea a valuable strategic foothold in Europe’s growing nuclear energy market.

He added that further negotiations are expected once the Czech Republic’s new government takes office.

The remarks come amid an escalating debate over South Korea’s partnership with Westinghouse Electric Co., which critics say has constrained the country’s nuclear export ambitions.

The controversy dates back to a 2022 lawsuit filed by Westinghouse in the United States, claiming ownership of key technologies used in Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power’s (KHNP) APR1400 reactor — the model South Korea hopes to export to Europe.

The case fueled concerns that South Korea’s nuclear exports could become dependent on U.S. approval, undermining the country’s long-cultivated autonomy in reactor design.

Earlier this year, KHNP and Westinghouse reached a settlement that allowed them to jointly bid on overseas projects, including the Czech tender. But the arrangement has been criticized by some lawmakers and industry experts, who argue that it limits South Korea’s leverage and reduces potential profits.

Minister Kim pushed back against such criticism, saying the collaboration reflects the realities of international nuclear trade.

“We must look at the broader picture — our exports need to thrive for our companies to succeed,” he said. “Even with certain restrictions, South Korea has continued to expand its nuclear presence abroad.”

Kim also acknowledged lingering “trust issues” between Seoul and Washington over nuclear technology rights but urged policymakers to take a long-term view of national interests.

The Czech Republic’s nuclear expansion project, one of the largest in Europe, has become a key test of South Korea’s ability to reassert itself as a global reactor exporter after years of slowdown. Despite the controversy, officials in Seoul see the project as a critical opportunity to reestablish the country’s nuclear credentials on the world stage.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.

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