We were able to tour the laboratory under the guidance of Professor Petrov. The sight of researchers sitting and working in front of computers was no different from any other lab.
Then again, they wouldn't be experimenting with uranium or nuclear fuel rods inside a university, so this scene seemed normal enough.
The development of the Traveling Wave Reactor (TWR) is a national project. Professor Petrov's research team was known to receive government funding along with support from Rosatom.
Taekgyu asked in a low voice.
"What kind of place is Rosatom?"
"A Russian nuclear power company."
Just as Korea has Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Russia has Rosatom. They are similar in that they build, maintain, and manage nuclear power plants, but Rosatom also develops and produces nuclear weapons.
Russia operates a total of 11 nuclear power plants domestically and actively pursues overseas exports, ranking alongside France's EDF as one of the world's leading nuclear power companies.
After touring the areas accessible to external visitors, we sat down.
"Would you prefer black tea or coffee?"
"Coffee for me, please."
"Do you have any cola?"
A researcher served the drinks.
"I apologize for the sudden visit. I hope we didn't startle you."
Professor Petrov let out a booming laugh that matched his large frame.
"Haha, apologize? Not at all. I've actually been wanting to meet you if I had the chance. When I heard from Professor Mohan that you were coming together, I had trouble restraining myself from boasting about things here."
Meeting after a long time, the two professors caught up.
Professor Mohan apparently had initially held a negative view of nuclear power, but his perspective reportedly shifted gradually through conversations with Professor Petrov.
The two developed a personal friendship because they shared a mutual concern about the severity of climate change.
"I'm still negative about nuclear power," Mohan said. "The word 'terrible' doesn't begin to cover the horror of the damage when an accident occurs. But if we can't immediately eliminate the existing nuclear plants on Earth, then finding safer and more efficient methods is the right course of action."
Professor Petrov spoke.
"As it stands, nuclear power is the energy source with the least impact on the environment. Thermal power generation emits enormous amounts of fine dust and greenhouse gases. Along with car exhaust, they are essentially major culprits of environmental destruction."
Germany, having declared a nuclear phase-out, increased its share of renewable energy but simultaneously ran lignite coal plants at full capacity, paradoxically leading to greater environmental damage. The alternative they turned to was ultimately LNG power generation. To facilitate this, construction is underway on a gas pipeline to import natural gas from Russia.
I recalled my conversation with Professor Kim Homin.
While Professor Kim Homin was researching methods to efficiently use renewable energy through Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Professor Petrov was researching ways to use nuclear power more safely and efficiently.
It struck me again how amazing it was.
While most people go about their daily lives, there are always those striving to make the world a better place. It's because such individuals have existed in every era that humanity has progressed this far.
"Could we perhaps hear a more detailed explanation?"
"About the TWR, you mean?"
"Yes. I've recently become interested in that area."
Scholars typically take pride in their field of research. True to form, Professor Petrov excitedly explained the overview and advantages of the Traveling Wave Reactor.
"As you know, nuclear power has many problems. Terrible disasters sometimes occur due to human error, like the Chernobyl or Fukushima accidents. But the TWR can solve most of the problems current nuclear plants have."
The Traveling Wave Reactor has its roots in the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR). This concept first emerged in the Soviet Union in 1958.
"My father was a scientist who developed nuclear weapons. The spent fuel from reactors was used as material for nuclear weapons."
The Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) can reprocess spent fuel from reactors. Professor Petrov's father and Soviet scientists believed the FBR could handle waste while simultaneously helping to limit nuclear weapons development.
At the time, it didn't receive much attention for various reasons, but the situation has changed. Uranium supply shortages, spent fuel storage problems, and nuclear non-proliferation have become global challenges.
An explanation of the TWR's principles and overview followed. Knowing we wouldn't understand much even if we listened, we just nodded attentively.
Even without understanding the principles, the advantages were clear.
Nuclear power plants are typically built along coastlines. This is due to the characteristic of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) requiring large amounts of cooling water; coasts allow them to use abundant seawater for cooling. (In Korea, they are mostly concentrated on the East Coast).
However, the TWR involves a slow fission reaction and uses liquid metal for cooling. Since it doesn't require separate cooling water, it can be built inland.
Another advantage is that it's more easily miniaturized and modularized compared to LWRs or Heavy Water Reactors (HWRs). They could be built individually where small-scale generation is needed, and potentially be installed on large ships or submarines.
It truly has the potential to solve most of the problems existing nuclear plants face!
I tentatively asked.
"Assuming the experiments are successful, when might commercialization be possible?"
Professor Petrov answered confidently.
"If the experiments succeed, it could be commercialized in less than a year. Unlike existing plants that require massive facilities, construction time and costs can be significantly reduced."
But he soon shook his head.
"The problem is, progress on this front has completely stalled at this stage, both here and elsewhere. We are accumulating data through simulations, but it's unclear when actual experiments will be possible."
"Is the reason for the halt primarily due to budget constraints?"
"That's probably the main reason, yes."
Reactor experiments involve more than just building the reactor itself. All sorts of facilities and safety measures must be built to prepare for any contingency.
Persuading local residents is also necessary, but given Russia's vast territory and the government's strong influence, that part likely won't be a major hurdle.
The cost up to experimentation and commercialization is approximately $1 billion.
It's a large sum to invest in a plan whose success is uncertain. However, if one were 100% confident of success, it's an incredibly low price.
"Then, if the funding issue is resolved, the experiments could proceed?"
Professor Mohan said jokingly.
"Don't tell me you're thinking of investing?"
I nodded.
"Yes. I will invest."
My words stunned them both.
"You'll invest?"
"Uh, why so suddenly…?"
It was, of course, because I'd seen the future, but I couldn't say that outright.
Taekgyu clenched his fists and jumped in.
"Why, you ask? Sir, I deeply resonated with both your opinions that climate change must be stopped! This is a groundbreaking technology to protect the environment. If we can slow down global warming, is money really an object?"
I quickly added my support.
"Th-that's right. Climate change is a problem for all of humanity to solve together. I'd be happy to lend my support."
The two professors were deeply moved.
Professor Petrov firmly grasped my hand and said,
"Amazing! I had no idea you were so concerned with the future of humanity!"
"Ah, no…"
Given it was purely for my own gain, their being too moved was a bit awkward.
***
[Kang Jin-hoo's Secret Trip to Russia]
[OTK Company CEO Visits Russia!]
[Meeting Prof. Petrov with Prof. Mohan at Moscow U: Personal or Business?]
[Will Kang Jin-hoo Meet President Vysotsky?]
Despite our discretion, the news that we had arrived in Russia and contacted Professor Petrov spread globally.
We secured accommodations in Russia and got straight to work.
Investing in a company is entirely different from investing in nuclear technology. Since nuclear technology is directly tied to national security, investment by a foreign company requires the approval of the Russian government. No matter how much money we brought, if the government didn't grant permission, it would be futile.
Even with permission, various complex administrative procedures must be navigated. In Korea or Japan, this process might take at least several months, possibly over a year, but Russia is effectively an autocracy.
One word from President Vysotsky, and things could proceed without a hitch.
OTK Company expressed its interest in investing to Rosatom. Complex paperwork was also required on our end for the investment, but having ample funds meant we didn't need to handle everything directly.
Golden Gate's Russian branch handled things for us.
Investment in nuclear power is a sensitive issue for both the recipient and the investor. As OTK Company is a US corporation, it didn't need to report to or get permission from the Korean government.
Instead, a review began to determine if any aspects required US government approval. The Korean branch handled this part.
The legal team was overwhelmed by the sudden deluge of work.
I received an indignant call from the Legal Team 1 Lead.
[What is this? The entire team can't even go home because of you, Jin-hoo!]
"Ah… it somehow ended up like that. Is there really that much work?"
[Is that important right now? You went to invest in the Traveling Wave Reactor, why didn't you say anything? You could have at least given me a heads-up!]
It seemed she was more upset about the lack of prior notice than the workload itself.
"Sorry. I didn't know it would turn out like this either. I initially just intended to hear about it, but the decision was made suddenly…"
[That's a lie, right?]
"…It's true."
How did she know it was a lie?
I spent some time appeasing Ellie.
"I'll buy you a present. Cool down, okay?"
Ellie's voice softened slightly.
[That depends on what kind of present you bring back.]
"..."
Would a Matryoshka doll do?
"More importantly, are there any potential legal hurdles?"
[I just looked into it, there shouldn't be any major problems.]
MegaPower's research had been halted due to concerns that US nuclear technology might fall into Chinese hands. Since we were only investing capital, not technology, there likely wouldn't be any legal snags.
[But Jessica was worried about a different issue.]
Currently, Russia is subject to Western sanctions. NATO member states are pressuring them to implement the Minsk Agreement. Of course, Russia pays them no heed.
Even if legal issues were avoided, it was a delicate situation politically.
"With US acquiescence, there shouldn't be a big problem."
Russia was once an adversary of the US. However, the situation changed somewhat after China's rapid rise. The US revised its foreign strategy to leverage Russia to counterbalance China.
President Ronald also pushed this strategy. That's why, while aggressively targeting China, they were reluctant to enforce sanctions against Russia.
Furthermore, he was known for his pro-Russia stance even before the presidential election and had often held personal meetings with President Vysotsky beforehand.
As long as it didn't break the law, they likely wouldn't actively oppose it.
So, the key factor is President Vysotsky's stance?
***
At the Kremlin, a secret meeting chaired by the President was held.
Officials from Rosatom and Gazprom were also in attendance. Nominally, both are private companies, but typical of the autocratic state, both effectively operate under government direction.
Rosatom CEO Trusova said excitedly,
"Rosatom has sufficient capital to invest ourselves; we don't necessarily need OTK Company's involvement."
Kang Jin-hoo had succeeded in all his investments to date. His interest signified a high probability of experimental success and commercialization.
Rosatom wasn't short on capital, so there seemed no need to bring OTK Company into the fold. Receiving OTK Company's investment would allow for risk sharing, but profits would also have to be split.
The Energy Minister shared a similar view. However, a few voiced dissenting opinions.
"If Kang Jin-hoo has decided to invest in this field, even if Russia refuses, he will simply invest elsewhere. Technologically, America's MegaPower is currently considered the frontrunner."
"Rather than excluding Kang Jin-hoo, leveraging his reputation would be more beneficial. Wouldn't this essentially be an endorsement of Russia's nuclear technology? Partnering with Kang Jin-hoo alone would be a great help in securing future nuclear plant contracts."
After the Fukushima accident, heightened awareness caused global nuclear plant construction to stall for a period. In other words, this meant significant pent-up demand had accumulated. And this demand had recently begun to stir.
The UK, China, the Czech Republic, Japan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and more.
Numerous countries had either confirmed nuclear plant construction plans or were reconsidering them. Russia competed fiercely with other nations to win these contracts.
In this field, the world's largest player was France's EDF, whose technology is also world-class.
China, with CNNC (China National Nuclear Corporation) and CGN (China General Nuclear Power Group) leading the charge, was aggressively pursuing contracts with low bids. Their strategy prioritized building an export track record to establish their presence in the global nuclear market over immediate profits.
Korea was also a strong competitor. Having been a leader in Middle East construction projects since the 70s, Korea was leveraging the trust built then to pursue nuclear projects in the region. Winning the contract for the UAE's Barakah plant was a prime example.
On the other hand, Rosatom was in a disadvantaged position due to factors like Western sanctions. However, successfully experimenting with the Traveling Wave Reactor could completely reverse this situation.
In the nuclear sector, at least, this was a chance for Russia to rise to the top globally!
If Russia succeeded, the US and China wouldn't remain idle. They would immediately resume their own experiments in pursuit. But until then, Russia could secure a decisive lead.
Prime Minister Volkov, who had previously served as President, viewed the situation more objectively.
"Kang Jin-hoo invests in various industries like autonomous electric vehicles, gaming, and IT. We should involve him in this project and strengthen cooperation with OTK Company across various sectors. This is a good opportunity to revitalize the stagnant Russian economy."
President Vysotsky tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully.
After a pause, he spoke.
"Let's meet with Kang Jin-hoo first, then we'll decide."