The South Korean government is expanding support for domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter the overseas nuclear supply chain, particularly in the United States. Following the signing of the Korea-U.S. nuclear framework, interest in entering the U.S. market has surged among industry players, prompting the establishment of a regular communication channel involving academia, research institutions, and government.
On October 7, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy launched the 'Nuclear Export Leaders Forum' at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, holding its first meeting.
As global interest in nuclear energy rises due to the climate crisis, energy security, and increased electricity demand driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence and data centers, expectations for the international expansion of South Korea's nuclear industry are growing. In response, the Korea Nuclear Export Industry Association (KNA) has formed the Nuclear Export Leaders Forum to facilitate the sharing of export information and discussions on current issues among nuclear companies, academia, research institutions, and the government.
Approximately 100 participants attended the event, including representatives from Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, KEPCO Engineering & Construction, KEPCO Nuclear Fuel, KEPCO KPS, Doosan Enerbility, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Samsung C&T, and various SMEs in the nuclear sector. Notably, Kang Gam-chan, Director of the Trade and Investment Bureau at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Lee Sang-eun, Director of Nuclear Export Promotion, explained the key points and negotiation process of the framework.
SMEs expressed significant interest in the qualifications and opportunities for participation in U.S. nuclear project supply chains.
Last month, South Korea and the U.S. established a nuclear framework and agreed to collaborate on the construction of eight large nuclear reactors in the U.S. During the Nuclear Export Planning Committee meeting on October 1, specific discussions were held regarding Team Korea leading the construction of two APR1400 reactors and the participation of Korean companies in the supply chain for six AP1000 reactors.
The government plans to support domestic companies in securing design and manufacturing technologies and qualifications to enter the overseas nuclear supply chain. It will enhance over 30 support programs, including the existing 'First Step to Nuclear Export' initiative, certification acquisition, supplier registration, and export credit insurance, and will introduce new support measures tailored to specific market characteristics, including the U.S., starting next year.
The '2026 International Nuclear Export and Safety Conference (NES 2026)' will be held in Gyeongju from October 27 to 29, inviting global nuclear industry players to conduct supplier briefings and business-to-business (B2B) meetings.
Kang Gam-chan stated, "As global demand for nuclear energy expands, I hope the nuclear community will unite to enhance the global presence of K-nuclear. The government will spare no effort in creating an era of nuclear exports."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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