Seoul: South Korea aims to begin operation of an independently developed small modular reactor (SMR) model in 2034, the state-run SMR development agency announced. The model will be designed to steer clear of technology disputes with other countries.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Innovative Small Modular Reactor Development Agency plans to finalize the design of a standardized Korean-style SMR model and apply for approval with the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission by the end of this year. The goal is to commence operations by 2034. The agency's model, named the i-SMR, or innovative-SMR, is expected to be competitive in safety and cost compared to those being developed by countries such as the United States, Britain, and France.
The agency is in the process of developing an SMR model with a generation capacity of 170 megawatts per module. Agency President Kim Han-gon emphasized efforts to ensure the model avoids technology disputes with foreign nations, especially in light of a recent intellectual property dispute settlement between Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) and U.S. nuclear firm Westinghouse.
Last month, reports indicated that KHNP may be barred from bidding for new nuclear projects in North America and most European Union nations due to an alleged settlement with Westinghouse in January, following a prolonged dispute between the companies. Kim noted that the SMR development began during the KHNP-Westinghouse dispute, prompting instructions to ensure the i-SMR does not encounter similar issues.
Kim also highlighted efforts to circumvent patent disputes with countries like the U.S. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy is working on establishing another agency to commercialize the i-SMR, as the technology is anticipated to become a significant future export for South Korea.