Nonsensical Policy

System-integrated modular advanced reactor developed by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Science and ICT applied for feasibility studies in September this year regarding the development of next-generation small modular reactors. In their application for the 583.2 billion won project, they clarified that the development is for export purposes.

South Korea developed the world’s first small modular reactor in as early as 2012. However, it is yet to start the commercialization of the technology with the Moon Jae-in administration adhering to its nuclear phase-out policy.

Meanwhile, 76 companies in 18 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Japan and China, are currently working on various types of small modular reactors. Their competition has been accelerated since NuScale Power passed a design test in 2020.

Those in the nuclear power industry of South Korea are pointing out that the government’s small modular reactor development plan not assuming construction and use in South Korea makes no sense at all. “South Korea’s leading position in the industry has been completely lost due to the government’s insistence,” said professor Joo Han-kyu at the Nuclear Engineering Department of Seoul National University.

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