On June 24, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) announced that it aims to finalize the detailed design of its groundbreaking dry storage system for spent nuclear fuel, COSMOS, by the end of this year. COSMOS is recognized as the world’s first vertical modular dry storage solution for nuclear waste.
KHNP completed the conceptual design of COSMOS in 2019, and in 2022, it completed the detailed design of a storage container capable of holding 240 fuel assemblies. The company plans to complete the detailed design of a 370-assembly model by the end of this year to advance its commercialization efforts. Next year, KHNP intends to initiate licensing procedures with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
As the domestic nuclear waste storage capacity rapidly diminishes, COSMOS offers an innovative solution that overcomes the structural limitations of traditional cylindrical storage containers. It is regarded as a storage method that ensures safety, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. The technology aims not only for domestic application but also for export abroad, especially as a practical solution tailored to South Korea’s circumstances.
COSMOS can store approximately 370 fuel assemblies in a single module—up to 30% more efficient in land use compared to conventional commercial containers used in countries like the U.S. Additionally, it provides excellent physical safety without the need for expensive shielding buildings, capable of withstanding external shocks such as large aircraft collisions, earthquakes exceeding 0.3g, and extreme weather conditions.
The system also addresses corrosion issues common to coastal storage facilities and allows for easy maintenance through cylinder replacements after long-term operation. Its modular design facilitates flexible adaptation to the specific needs of different countries.
Shin Ho-cheol, director of KHNP’s Central Research Institute, stated, “We will meticulously analyze global high-level radioactive waste management trends and do our best to ensure that Korea’s technology remains competitive in the international market.”
He added, “COSMOS offers 20-50% better cost efficiency compared to existing commercial models. Once approved by the U.S. NRC, it is poised to penetrate global markets, including the United States.”
