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South Korea Accelerates SMR Development with New Legislation

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. erates-smr-development-with-new-legislation.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 1:16 GMT by UPI
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ROMANIA, UNITED KINGDOM

SEOUL, February 26th, 2026 - South Korea is significantly accelerating its investment and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) following the enactment of the "Special Act on the Promotion of Small Modular Reactor Technology and Industry." This new legislation, passed earlier this week, represents a major commitment to next-generation nuclear energy and positions the nation as a potential leader in the rapidly evolving global SMR market.

The Special Act directly addresses key hurdles previously slowing SMR development in South Korea, primarily focusing on streamlining the often-complex and lengthy licensing procedures. Previously, navigating the regulatory landscape for innovative nuclear technologies proved cumbersome, hindering both public and private investment. The new law establishes a more efficient and predictable pathway for SMR project approval, aiming to reduce bureaucratic delays and foster a more attractive investment climate.

Beyond simplified licensing, the Act also incorporates provisions designed to actively encourage private sector participation. This includes potential financial incentives, tax breaks, and risk mitigation strategies. South Korea recognizes that a thriving SMR industry requires a collaborative effort between government, research institutions, and private companies. The government hopes this legislative support will unlock significant private capital, accelerating research, development, and eventual deployment.

This move is deeply interwoven with South Korea's ambitious energy strategy. The nation faces the dual challenge of ensuring a stable and secure energy supply while simultaneously meeting its commitments to reduce carbon emissions under international agreements. Traditional large-scale nuclear power plants have long been a cornerstone of South Korea's energy mix, but SMRs offer several advantages that align with evolving energy priorities.

Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, SMRs are designed to be factory-fabricated and transported to deployment sites. This modular approach significantly reduces construction time and cost, making them more accessible and potentially deployable in a wider range of locations. Their smaller size also enhances safety features, with passive safety systems requiring less operator intervention in the event of an emergency. This inherently safer design is a key selling point as public acceptance of nuclear energy remains a significant factor globally.

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) have been jointly tasked with overseeing the SMR research initiatives. MSIT will lead the fundamental research and technological development efforts, focusing on innovative reactor designs and advanced materials. MOTIE will concentrate on the industrialization and commercialization aspects, ensuring that research translates into viable commercial products and a robust supply chain.

Initial research is focused on several SMR designs, including pressurized light water reactors, molten salt reactors, and fast reactors. South Korean researchers are also exploring innovative fuel cycle options and waste management solutions to enhance the sustainability of SMR technology. A consortium of universities, research institutes like the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and private companies, including Hanwha and Doosan Enerbility, are actively involved in these projects.

Competition in the global SMR market is intensifying. Countries like the United States, Canada, Russia, and China are all heavily investing in SMR development. South Korea's proactive approach, backed by the new Special Act, aims to position the nation as a key player in this growing market. Experts predict that SMRs will play a vital role in decarbonizing the energy sector and providing reliable, clean power to communities around the world. Beyond domestic energy needs, South Korea is actively exploring export opportunities for its SMR technology, targeting countries seeking to diversify their energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint. The country's strong engineering capabilities and established nuclear industry provide a solid foundation for success in this burgeoning market. The expectation is that by 2030, South Korea could see the first operational SMR deployed domestically, paving the way for wider adoption and export potential.