SEOUL: South Korea is set to integrate the construction of four small modular reactors (SMRs) into its forthcoming basic energy plan, as disclosed by a senior presidential aide on Sunday. This initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to diversify its energy sources and enhance its technological footprint in the global energy market.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Park Sang-wook, the presidential secretary for science and technology, announced during an interview with public broadcaster KBS that the SMRs will feature in the 11th basic plan for electricity supply and demand. SMRs are compact, ready-to-install nuclear reactors that offer more flexibility compared to traditional nuclear power stations. Park explained that approximately four SMRs, each with a generating capacity between 170 megawatts and 350 megawatts, would be required to match the output of a single large nuclear plant.
Park described SMRs as a pivotal growth driver for the future and a significant export product for South Korea. He under
scored the necessity for bipartisan support in the inclusion of these reactors in the upcoming energy blueprint, emphasizing the need for unity between ruling and opposition parties. Highlighting the country’s prowess in nuclear technology, Park noted that South Korea’s SMR capabilities are ranked among the top three globally, while its large nuclear power plants are considered world-class, especially in terms of technology, construction, and operational efficiency, as assessed by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power.
Acknowledging that SMRs remain in the nascent stages of development, Park stressed the urgency in advancing related technologies and establishing comprehensive licensing criteria. He pointed out the strategic efforts being made to develop a distinct Korean-style SMR and to expedite the licensing process by increasing the pool of specialized experts.