South Korea has enacted legislation to fast-track small modular reactor development as artificial intelligence drives surging power demand.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced Thursday that the National Assembly passed the "Special Act on Promotion and Support for SMR Development."
Under the new law, the ministry will establish a five-year master plan for SMR system development. The plan will cover policy objectives, research and development strategies, funding mechanisms, and ecosystem building measures, with annual implementation plans required.
The legislation creates an "SMR System Development Promotion Committee" under the Nuclear Energy Promotion Committee, which reports to the Prime Minister. The Science and ICT Minister will chair the new body, which will serve as the control tower for SMR R&D policy.
The government is also mandated to review regulations and policies in response to technological advances and changing conditions. The Science and ICT Minister may recommend regulatory reforms to relevant central administrative agencies when necessary.
The law includes provisions to support private companies as key players in SMR development. The government will assist qualified private firms and research institutions with site acquisition, funding, and access to public research facilities and equipment to enable rapid demonstration projects.
The government may also support the establishment of jointly funded companies by private enterprises and public institutions, and back the creation and operation of SMR-related research associations.
"SMR R&D Special Zones" are also planned. The Science and ICT Minister can designate areas with high concentrations of universities, research institutes, and companies engaged in SMR development as special R&D zones.
"This will maximize clustering effects and establish regional hubs for SMR development and demonstration," the ministry said.
The legislation also addresses workforce development, international cooperation for global technical standards, and measures to build public acceptance of SMR technology.
The law will be promulgated following Cabinet approval and presidential endorsement, taking effect six months after promulgation. The ministry plans to establish its first master plan within one year of implementation and launch major new projects with private companies to complete core technology development, design, and commercialization.
Deputy Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said, "The passage of this special law reflects the commitment of the National Assembly and government to accelerate SMR development as a key energy source for the AI era and to become a global SMR leader."
"We will swiftly develop strategies for systematic SMR development and demonstration, significantly strengthen financial support, and accelerate results," Bae added.