Koo Hyeok-chae (구혁채), first vice minister of South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT, shared on Oct. 28 the status of research and development projects aimed at commercialising small modular reactors (SMRs).

Koo attended as a keynote speaker at the Korean Nuclear Society’s autumn academic conference held at the Hwabaek Convention Center in Gyeongju on Oct. 29. The conference runs for three days from Oct. 28 to 30, featuring 15 themed workshops and presentations of about 600 papers.

In his keynote speech, Koo stressed the role of nuclear power in addressing rising electricity demand from a major AI shift, carbon neutrality and energy security issues. He introduced the government’s SMR commercialisation policy and the status of large-scale R&D projects under way, and exchanged views with nuclear experts.

Ahead of attending the conference, Koo also visited the Proton Science Research Group of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute in Gyeongju and the construction site of the King Munmu Science Research Institute.

At the proton research group, he reviewed the operating status of a proton accelerator that provides 24-hour beam service and supports testing in advanced industry fields. At the King Munmu Science Research Institute construction site, he discussed key pending issues, including establishing a development plan for the institute’s opening and securing additional power supply.

Koo said the role of the proton accelerator is important as essential infrastructure supporting South Korea’s advanced industries such as semiconductors and space and aviation. He said the government will also support the swift rollout of large R&D projects so the King Munmu Science Research Institute can become a core hub for national SMR R&D and demonstration.