According to the memorandum of understanding, the two organisations agreed to actively cooperate in a preliminary feasibility study for introducing the Innovative SMR (i-SMR) in Zimbabwe; support for training nuclear energy experts; and sharing nuclear energy technology information.
The Centre for Education, Innovation Research and Development (CEIRD) was established in 2020 to coordinate research and innovation across universities, colleges, and industry. Its goal is to translate STEM-focused education and research into tangible products and innovations, driving national industrialisation and modernisation in line with Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 policy.
KHNP noted that Zimbabwe currently relies on hydro and thermal power for most of its electricity generation, but ageing facilities and climate change are challenging its stable power supply. “Consequently, the country is actively considering the introduction of nuclear power to diversify its energy portfolio and achieve its Vision 2030 national development policy, which focuses on science and technology,” it said. “In this context, this MoU is expected to be a significant turning point in establishing Zimbabwe’s mid to long-term energy strategy.”
“Through this business agreement, we hope Zimbabwe will accelerate its energy diversification and find sustainable energy solutions through SMRs,” said KHNP President Hwang Joo-ho. “Building on our collaboration with Zimbabwe, KHNP will strengthen its position in the African market, where energy demand is rapidly growing.”
The i-SMR is an integrated pressurised water reactor type nuclear power plant with an electrical output of 170 MW. It is being developed according to a development roadmap, with the goal of completing the standard design by the end of 2025 and obtaining standard design approval in 2028. According to KHNP, it requires one-third of the investment, and can be constructed in half the time compared with large reactors.
KHNP used the COP28 conference in Dubai, UAE, in December 2023 to launch its i-SMR technology and its i-SMR powered Smart Net-Zero City model. During the event, the company agreed to cooperate with Indonesian and Jordanian partners to investigate the deployment of i-SMR units. It has since also signed agreements to evaluate the use of the reactor in Norway and Sweden.
