Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) and Westinghouse on 25 February signed a long-term supply agreement for NPP replacement parts. KHNP expects the agreement to shorten the procurement process for such equipment. The agreement sets the terms of the contract, such as the quality, technology and price for the equipment to be supplied for at least five years.
KHNP said that, in response to the Fukushima accident, it is seeking key foreign suppliers to strengthen the supply chain, as well as enhancing quality and technical standards. Securing a stable supply of replacement parts will also have economic advantages, it said, as it will be able to secure an "advantageous price" for equipment bought through large purchases.
Westinghouse said on its website that it has provided technology and major equipment for 20 NPPs (14 operating plants and six under construction) in South Korea and is currently participating in new plant projects, including Shin Kori units 1 and 2, Shin Wolsung 1 and 2 and Shin Kori 3 and 4. Westinghouse said it is supplying major components (reactor coolant pumps and motors, reactor vessel internals), instrumentation and control equipment, man-machine interface systems, and technical and engineering support services.