"Small Modular Reactors Also Benefit the Nuclear Power Industry Ecosystem"

Nuclear Industry Urges Activation of SMRs
"Also Contributing to Carbon Emission Reduction"

Integrated reactor SMART developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. (Photo)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The nuclear power industry, hit by the government's nuclear phase-out policy, has called for the activation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). It is expected to contribute to carbon reduction while rebuilding the nuclear industry ecosystem.

At the '2021 Korea Nuclear Annual Conference' held on the 11th at the Hwa-baek Convention Center in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, attendees unanimously agreed that SMRs are effective in alleviating concerns about nuclear power and restoring the collapsed industrial ecosystem. Lim Chae-young, Director of the Innovative Nuclear Systems Research Center at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, said, "Compared to large nuclear power plants, the probability of core damage and major accidents is 1/1000," adding, "There is a discussion about whether nuclear power is recognized as a means of carbon reduction, but SMR export performance will ultimately help achieve carbon neutrality."

He further stated that SMRs would help maintain the nuclear industry ecosystem. Director Lim said, "If SMRs are steadily built, stable industry maintenance is possible," and added, "We can consider constructing SMRs on the sites of aging coal power plants and promoting overseas exports based on these achievements."

Kang Hong-gyu, Head of Nuclear Sales at Doosan Heavy Industries, also emphasized, "SMRs are optimal power sources that can complement wind and solar power," highlighting, "SMRs, developed to supply low output power in remote areas, have the advantages of zero carbon emissions, adjustable output, and the ability to be built on small-scale sites."

The nuclear industry's emphasis on the necessity of SMRs at the Nuclear Annual Conference, a celebratory event for the industry, reflects the urgent need to create new growth engines to maintain the industrial ecosystem. An industry official said, "SMRs have sufficient competitiveness," but added, "Since commercialization will take at least five years, active consideration should also be given to resuming the halted construction of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 so that the industry can endure in the meantime."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.