A special law and its enforcement regulations aimed at supporting the research, development, and demonstration of small modular reactors (SMRs) will take effect today. This initiative is designed to establish a comprehensive government support system to ensure that research outcomes lead to actual commercialization.
On September 11, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that the 'Special Law on the Promotion and Support of Small Modular Reactor Development' and its enforcement regulations will be implemented. The SMR special law was enacted in March.
The demand for stable, carbon-free energy has been rising due to the recent expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), the increase in data centers, and the electrification of industries. Major countries around the world are also accelerating the development and commercialization of SMRs by advancing technology and refining regulations. The South Korean government has laid the institutional groundwork through the implementation of this SMR special law and its regulations.
The government has identified SMRs as a key technology in the future clean energy sector alongside fusion and renewable energy through its 'Seven SEED Projects.' It aims to commercialize pressurized SMRs by 2035 and plans to begin construction of non-pressurized SMRs in the 2030s.
While the SMR special law provides a broad framework for the development, demonstration, and industrialization of SMRs, the enforcement regulations specify the criteria and procedures necessary for the operation of the law, including the establishment of basic plans, the operation of promotion committees, public-private cooperation, and the designation of research and development special zones.
According to the enforcement regulations, the Ministry of Science and ICT is required to establish a 'Basic Plan for SMR System Development' every five years. This plan will include policy objectives, implementation strategies, and details on technology development related to supply chains and the designation and operation of SMR system research and development special zones. The ministry will regularly assess the implementation status of the basic plan every five years and incorporate the results and corrective measures into the following year's implementation plan.
A 'SMR System Development Promotion Committee' will also be established to deliberate on key matters related to SMR development. This committee will consist of more than ten private experts who will discuss and coordinate tasks related to technology development, demonstration, corporate collaboration, and the establishment of special zones for various types of SMRs.
To strengthen the foundation for private-led SMR commercialization, the government will provide a basis for the establishment of companies jointly funded by private enterprises and public institutions. Based on submitted establishment, operation, and business plans, the government will be able to support these initiatives with budget allocations.
Plans to designate 'SMR System Research and Development Special Zones' will also be detailed to promote research, demonstration, and corporate growth.
With the implementation of the SMR special law, the government plans to actively advance technology development and regulatory improvements to eliminate barriers to SMR commercialization. In conjunction with the 'Seven SEED Projects,' the government plans to begin detailed design work for SMRs in collaboration with the private sector starting in 2027. For non-pressurized SMRs, the government aims to foster specialized companies for commercialization, including special purpose companies (SPCs) jointly funded by the public and private sectors, to ensure that domestic technology translates into actual business and global market opportunities.
Minister of Science and ICT Lee Baek-hoon stated, "The implementation of the SMR special law and its enforcement regulations marks a starting point for connecting South Korea's accumulated nuclear research and development capabilities to demonstration and commercialization, expanding it into an industry. We will diligently pursue the SMR commercialization goals outlined in the Seven SEED Projects and work as a unified team with the government, research community, and industry to lead the global SMR market."
On September 11, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that the 'Special Law on the Promotion and Support of Small Modular Reactor Development' and its enforcement regulations will be implemented. The SMR special law was enacted in March.
The demand for stable, carbon-free energy has been rising due to the recent expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), the increase in data centers, and the electrification of industries. Major countries around the world are also accelerating the development and commercialization of SMRs by advancing technology and refining regulations. The South Korean government has laid the institutional groundwork through the implementation of this SMR special law and its regulations.
The government has identified SMRs as a key technology in the future clean energy sector alongside fusion and renewable energy through its 'Seven SEED Projects.' It aims to commercialize pressurized SMRs by 2035 and plans to begin construction of non-pressurized SMRs in the 2030s.
While the SMR special law provides a broad framework for the development, demonstration, and industrialization of SMRs, the enforcement regulations specify the criteria and procedures necessary for the operation of the law, including the establishment of basic plans, the operation of promotion committees, public-private cooperation, and the designation of research and development special zones.
According to the enforcement regulations, the Ministry of Science and ICT is required to establish a 'Basic Plan for SMR System Development' every five years. This plan will include policy objectives, implementation strategies, and details on technology development related to supply chains and the designation and operation of SMR system research and development special zones. The ministry will regularly assess the implementation status of the basic plan every five years and incorporate the results and corrective measures into the following year's implementation plan.
A 'SMR System Development Promotion Committee' will also be established to deliberate on key matters related to SMR development. This committee will consist of more than ten private experts who will discuss and coordinate tasks related to technology development, demonstration, corporate collaboration, and the establishment of special zones for various types of SMRs.
To strengthen the foundation for private-led SMR commercialization, the government will provide a basis for the establishment of companies jointly funded by private enterprises and public institutions. Based on submitted establishment, operation, and business plans, the government will be able to support these initiatives with budget allocations.
Plans to designate 'SMR System Research and Development Special Zones' will also be detailed to promote research, demonstration, and corporate growth.
With the implementation of the SMR special law, the government plans to actively advance technology development and regulatory improvements to eliminate barriers to SMR commercialization. In conjunction with the 'Seven SEED Projects,' the government plans to begin detailed design work for SMRs in collaboration with the private sector starting in 2027. For non-pressurized SMRs, the government aims to foster specialized companies for commercialization, including special purpose companies (SPCs) jointly funded by the public and private sectors, to ensure that domestic technology translates into actual business and global market opportunities.
Minister of Science and ICT Lee Baek-hoon stated, "The implementation of the SMR special law and its enforcement regulations marks a starting point for connecting South Korea's accumulated nuclear research and development capabilities to demonstration and commercialization, expanding it into an industry. We will diligently pursue the SMR commercialization goals outlined in the Seven SEED Projects and work as a unified team with the government, research community, and industry to lead the global SMR market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.