SEOUL: Small modular reactors, or SMRs, are reemerging in national energy conservation as South Korea reevaluates its energy strategy, driven by a sharp rise in electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centre expansion.
The new liberal administration under President Lee Jae Myung, who took office earlier this month, has expressed cautious support for SMRs.
This marks a shift from the Democratic Party of Korea’s stance under the Moon Jae-in administration, which pursued a nuclear phase-out.
While Lee has reiterated his opposition to expanding large-scale nuclear power, he views SMRs as a pragmatic, flexible energy solution compatible with South Korea’s decarbonisation and energy security goals.
SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity – about one-third the capacity of traditional nuclear plants.
Their compact, factory-built design allows for modular deployment in remote or space-limited locations, making them an attractive alternative for industrial zones, small communities and even energy-intensive tech facilities.
Furthermore, SMRs use the same basic fission process as conventional reactors but are engineered for simpler, safer and more scalable use. — The Korea Herald/ANN