Government Accelerates Development and Demonstration of Next-Generation Reactor Technology... Launches 2.5 Trillion Won 'K-ARDP' Program

The government has decided to introduce the 'Korean Next-Generation Reactor Technology Development and Demonstration Program (K-ARDP)' worth 2.5 trillion KRW. K-ARDP is a project that fosters private companies with next-generation reactor design capabilities and supports joint public-private technology development and demonstration for rapid commercialization.

On the 4th, the government announced that the 'Technology Development and Demonstration Promotion Plan for Securing Next-Generation Nuclear Power' was reviewed and approved at the 8th deliberation meeting of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council. This plan was prepared to present a systematic support strategy to timely secure technological and market leadership in response to the global next-generation reactor market.

원본보기 아이콘

An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy explained, "Since the late 1990s, Korea has secured a high level of technology through investments in next-generation reactor technology development, and domestic companies have strengths in designing and manufacturing large nuclear power plants. However, preparations for commercialization are somewhat insufficient due to a lack of demonstration experience with next-generation reactors and the absence of private-led commercialization models."

Accordingly, the government plans to achieve 'securing clean energy, strengthening energy security, and creating future new industries' by proposing measures for early realization of next-generation nuclear power, including demonstration beyond technology development in collaboration with the private sector capable of rapid market response. First, the government will introduce and promote K-ARDP. Considering the demonstration timing according to the current technology level, it is divided into a 'short-term demonstration type,' which can apply for a demonstration reactor construction permit within about 4 to 5 years, and a 'mid- to long-term strategic type,' which requires securing initial core technologies. Additionally, 'demonstration acceleration support,' including technology development and performance testing and verification, will be promoted commonly for both short-term and mid- to long-term types.

Along with this, the government plans to establish and announce a roadmap in the second half of this year to systematically promote the securing of next-generation reactors in the mid- to long-term by specifically presenting technology development goals and achievement timelines. The roadmap will select reactor types to support based on competitiveness, ripple effects, and commercialization potential, and will include the division of roles between public and private sectors, and regulatory response plans. Furthermore, the government aims to rapidly secure core technologies for the innovative Small Modular Reactor (i-SMR), complete the standard design by 2025, and prepare for domestic and international commercialization targeting entry into the global SMR market in the 2030s. To this end, plans include establishing commercialization institutions such as i-SMR Holdings (tentative name) and proactively preparing commercialization foundations such as intellectual property management plans.

Efforts will also be made to establish a safety regulatory system for new technologies. To verify the safety of innovative technologies applied to the i-SMR, the regulatory system will be established before the standard design approval application. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, responsible for nuclear reactor safety regulation, will minimize development trial and error and regulatory uncertainties through pre-design reviews of regulatory issues related to innovative technologies, and will secure verification and evaluation technologies without delay centered on the 'SMR Regulatory Research Promotion Team.'

For non-light water reactors as well, the safety regulatory foundation, including regulatory standards and technologies, will be gradually established by the early 2030s. New research and development (R&D) will begin on foundational and commonly applicable technologies for non-light water reactor regulation, and detailed verification technology development will be promoted considering the technology development schedule for each reactor type. Additionally, efforts will be made to expand and train regulatory personnel to ensure timely licensing reviews for next-generation reactors.

원본보기 아이콘

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.