South Korea Forms Small Modular Reactor Alliance – News – Nuclear Power News – Nuclear Street

The South Korea Small Modular Reactor sector is set to witness significant advancements with the launch of a private-public partnership, as announced by the industry ministry on Tuesday.

Enhancing Competitiveness through Government Assistance

The newly formed Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Alliance, consisting of 42 South Korean state-run and private entities, has called for government support to bolster their competitiveness on the global stage. As the world increasingly prioritizes the capacity to generate a stable supply of affordable and green energy, the alliance seeks to position itself at the forefront of this sector.

Understanding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that boast a power capacity of up to 300 megawatts (MW), approximately one-third of the generating capacity of conventional nuclear reactors. These reactors have the capability to produce a substantial amount of low-carbon electricity, resulting in cost savings and reduced construction time. Moreover, SMRs can be deployed incrementally to match the growing energy demands, as confirmed by industry officials.

Key Players in the SMR Alliance

Among the 42 participants in the alliance are prominent entities such as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and 31 private organizations, including SK, GS Energy, Samsung C&T, Daewoo E&C, GS E&C, and Doosan Enerbility. These firms collectively urge the government to enhance public acceptance of SMRs, primarily by addressing safety concerns and highlighting the benefits they offer.

Promoting Safety and Economic Advantages

During the launching ceremony held at the Westin Josun Seoul hotel, SK Inc. CEO Jang Dong-hyun emphasized the need to raise awareness about the safety of SMRs. He emphasized the importance of transparent communication to help the public understand the economic benefits of revitalizing the economy through energy efficiency. Jang Dong-hyun’s statement highlights the significance of ensuring public confidence in SMRs.

South Korea’s Track Record and Future Outlook

South Korea has demonstrated its prowess in successfully delivering numerous large-scale nuclear power plant construction projects, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the industry. The CEO of SK Inc. further emphasized that the country’s position as a global SMR powerhouse would depend on how quickly and effectively industry players adopt global SMR standards to contribute to the broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Government Support for Sustainable Growth

Jang Dong-hyun stated that the efforts of industry players alone are insufficient without the government’s revision of energy-related laws and the formulation of medium- to long-term policies that incorporate nuclear energy into the country’s power plan. To foster sustainable growth and enable local players to secure a place in the global supply chain, he stressed the importance of implementing measures that support the SMR sector.

Policy Support for the SMR Sector

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Lee Chang-yang, expressed the government’s commitment to provide policy support for the SMR sector. In his speech at the ceremony, he highlighted Korea’s achievements in constructing large nuclear power plants over the past few decades. To maintain and expand this success in the global SMR market, the government aims to ensure the safe and stable operation of reactors. It plans to provide assistance in areas such as system maintenance, technology development, human resources training, and tax incentives.

In conclusion, the private-public partnership formed by the SMR Alliance holds great promise for advancing the small modular reactor sector. With government assistance and a strong focus on safety, globalcompetitiveness, and economic benefits, the alliance aims to position itself as a leader in the SMR industry. By raising awareness about the safety and advantages of SMRs, addressing public concerns, and implementing supportive policies, Korea can solidify its position as a global SMR powerhouse and contribute to the broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality. The government’s commitment to providing policy support, including system maintenance, technology development, human resources training, and tax incentives, further demonstrates its dedication to the sustainable growth of the SMR sector. With these collective efforts, the future of SMRs looks promising, offering a greener and more efficient solution for meeting the world’s energy needs.