The Government Unveils a Blueprint for a "World-Leading Nuclear Powerhouse" in the AI Energy Era

From SMR and AI Integration to Waste Management and Export Strategies...
Launch of the 7th Comprehensive Nuclear Power Promotion Plan

The government has begun developing a national mid- to long-term strategy with the goal of becoming a "world-leading nuclear powerhouse" in response to the surge in electricity demand driven by the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) and the intensifying global competition for energy security. The plan aims to establish a national blueprint for nuclear power over the next five years, encompassing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), AI integration, nuclear power exports, and radioactive waste management.

On May 19, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it had officially begun preparations for establishing the "7th Comprehensive Nuclear Power Promotion Plan (2027–2031)" by holding a kickoff meeting at the H Hotel Sejong City in Osong, North Chungcheong Province. The ministry stated that it is now fully engaged in setting mid- to long-term policy directions and execution strategies.

Reference photo to help understand the article. Last year, visitors are seen inspecting a model of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the "Smart Energy Plus 2025" event held at COEX, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Comprehensive Nuclear Power Promotion Plan is the highest legally mandated plan in the nuclear sector, formulated every five years in accordance with the Nuclear Promotion Act. Since 1997, the government has implemented a total of six such plans, pursuing the localization of nuclear technology, the export of Korean-style nuclear power plants, and the establishment of nuclear safety systems.

Recently, the spread of the AI industry has led to a rapid increase in electricity demand for data centers, while the importance of carbon neutrality and energy security has grown, bringing nuclear power back to the forefront as a key energy source. In addition, as the competition to dominate the SMR market intensifies among the United States, China, and Europe, the government is accelerating efforts to formulate a next-generation nuclear strategy.

Pursuing SMR and AI Integration... "Private-Led Commercialization by 2030"

In this plan, the government will establish strategies focused on four main areas: super-innovative growth, public safety, convergence proliferation, and strengthening foundations.

First, in the area of super-innovative growth, the government will pursue a large-scale public-private collaborative project aimed at securing innovative SMR technologies and establishing a private-led commercialization system by 2030. The plan includes integrating AI technology with SMRs to gain a global competitive edge and building a support system to help domestic companies expand into overseas markets.

For public safety, the government will expand the operational scope of nuclear power plants by advancing safety technologies for continued operation, clean hydrogen production, and flexible operations. At the same time, it will enhance the entire cycle management system for the transport, storage, and disposal of high-level and intermediate- and low-level radioactive waste.

In the area of convergence proliferation, the government will promote industrial development plans that link radiation technology with bio, healthcare, and national strategic technologies. It also plans to support the commercialization of radiation-based carbon-neutral process technologies and technologies addressing environmental, food, and super-aging challenges.

To strengthen foundations, the government will expand basic research in nuclear power and foster professional talent, while also seeking to secure global nuclear leadership through participation in international organizations and multilateral consultative bodies.

Participation of 90 Experts from Industry, Academia, and Research... Plan to Be Finalized Within the Year

The development of this plan will involve over 90 experts from industry, academia, and research institutes, as well as related ministries including the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Committee for Management of High-Level Radioactive Waste.

The government plans to prepare a draft of the comprehensive plan by August, then finalize it by the end of the year after holding public hearings and collecting expert opinions, with the final review to be conducted by the Nuclear Power Promotion Committee.

Oh Daehyun, Director-General for Future Strategic Technology Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "The 7th Comprehensive Nuclear Power Promotion Plan will serve as a turning point for Korea's nuclear power sector, moving beyond technological self-reliance to leading the global market. We will establish a systematic strategy so that nuclear power can support the national economy and improve people's lives."

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