Rising electricity demand driven by the spread of artificial intelligence is reshaping the global energy market and intensifying competition over power infrastructure. With gas turbine supply shortages expected to persist and geopolitical risks adding uncertainty, technology companies are exploring alternatives such as small modular reactors and nuclear fusion. Developers including Kairos Power, Oklo, Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion are pursuing demonstration and commercial timelines, while renewables and grid batteries gain cost competitiveness.

South Korea has drawn up an implementation plan to secure strategic technologies through inter-ministerial cooperation. It plans to invest 8.6 trillion won in national strategic technology R&D this year and push a shift to a new strategic technology system. The Ministry of Science and ICT approved the 2026 implementation plan under the 2024-2028 basic plan, focusing on growth support, broader technology security and a mission-oriented policy system.