한국의 소듐냉각고속로-파이로 통합 시스템 개발 당위성과 전략

In the mid-1990s, Korea initiated the development of a sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) technology to ensure the sustainability of nuclear power by improving the efficiency of uranium utilization. Concurrently, R&D was also being undertaken on laboratory-scale pyroprocessing technology aimed at reducing both the volume and radiotoxicity of high-level radioactive wastes contained in spent nuclear fuel. In 2008, a comprehensive national promotion plan was established to develop an integrated nuclear energy system linking these two technologies. However, the pyroprocessing technology requires strict technical verification as to whether the technology constitutes sensitive nuclear proliferation concerns. In addition, the treatment of the spent nuclear fuel by pyroprocessing technology needs the consent of USA in accordance with the Korea–United States Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. This paper reviews the past and present of SFR R&D programs in Korea. It also provides a qualitative analysis of the necessity and rationale for developing an integrated SFR–pyroprocessing system from the perspectives of future energy security, efficient management of spent nuclear fuel, Korea–U.S. and international nuclear cooperation, as well as national nuclear policy and technological considerations. Based on this analysis, the paper proposes strategies to promote the development of the SFR–pyroprocessing integrated system as a government-led policy initiative.