Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hoon (배경훈) said the role of nuclear power should be expanded to respond to rising electricity demand driven by the spread of AI and data centres. He also stressed the importance of international cooperation to commercialise next-generation nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs).

In opening remarks at the 6th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power held at Songdo Convensia in Incheon on Oct. 27, Baek said the global energy landscape is changing faster than ever. He said it is necessary to supply sufficient and stable energy while responding to climate change.

He added that the growth of AI, data centres and advanced industries is creating new power demand at a faster pace than expected. He stressed that nuclear power is a key energy source that can provide large-scale low-carbon electricity continuously and stably.

Baek said building a stable energy supply system has emerged as a common global task as geopolitical tensions and supply chain uncertainty rise. He added that expanding nuclear power requires establishing supporting foundations including policies and institutions, workforce and financing.

Baek said introducing nuclear power anew or expanding it requires a solid foundation to stably carry forward long-term projects, including policies and institutions, workforce and financing. He said transparent communication and cooperation among regulators, industry, the government and the public are also important so that the pace of innovation and the pace of trust can move together.

He also underscored the need for institutional improvements after research and development. He said demonstration projects, licensing and financing should be prepared together so that development成果 in SMRs and advanced reactors lead to actual energy supply. He added that safety and regulation, laws and institutions should be put in place from the stage of preparing new uses, while building international trust.

Baek said South Korea has worked with the international community over the past half century to use nuclear power peacefully and steadily build foundations in technology, industry, safety and workforce. He said as host country, South Korea would faithfully support the conference so that discussions there can lead to practical cooperation.

The conference brings together countries pursuing the introduction of nuclear power and countries with operating experience to discuss policies and technologies, workforce training and measures to ensure safety. Participating countries will discuss ways to strengthen international cooperation needed to expand the use of nuclear power over three days.