South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo met with Bill Gates, Chairman of TerraPower, on August 14 to discuss collaboration on next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) and stable power supply solutions in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
During the meeting at the Government Seoul Office, Han and Gates exchanged views on energy mix strategies and the establishment of a global SMR ecosystem to address the increasing power demand driven by the expansion of the AI industry.
Han emphasized the importance of stable power supply to support three major mega projects the South Korean government is pursuing in preparation for the AI transformation era.
He explained that the government is exploring an energy mix that appropriately utilizes renewable energy and SMRs. Han particularly praised the collaboration between TerraPower and South Korean companies and research institutions, which spans the entire cycle from investment to production and construction in the next-generation SMR sector.
Gates expressed his agreement with the South Korean government's efforts to respond to the changing energy paradigm.
He noted that South Korea possesses not only the experience gained from constructing and operating nuclear power plants but also the capability to implement large-scale projects. Gates predicted that South Korea could significantly contribute to achieving global carbon neutrality and creating an innovative SMR ecosystem.
He also expressed his intention to further strengthen the strategic partnership between TerraPower and South Korean companies.
TerraPower, founded by Gates in 2008, is a U.S. company developing SMRs. It is working on the fourth-generation reactor 'Natrium,' which uses liquid sodium as a coolant instead of water.
In March, TerraPower received construction approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its commercial SMR, the first of its kind. South Korean companies and research institutions are participating in TerraPower's next-generation SMR project through investments, equipment manufacturing, and design and construction.
The government has established a legal foundation for industry development through the enactment of a special law for SMRs. It plans to improve the existing regulatory framework, which has focused on large nuclear power plants, to encompass various forms of SMRs.
Additionally, the government announced plans to support technology development, demonstration, and commercialization for different types of next-generation SMRs, while also expanding international cooperation with major countries, including the United States.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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