S. Korea unveils next-generation nuclear vision at IAEA general conference

South Korea is pushing to establish small modular reactors and nuclear-powered vessels as national strategic technologies, aiming to secure an early foothold in the global nuclear power market.

First Vice Minister of Science and ICT Koo Hyeok-chae delivered a keynote address Tuesday at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria, outlining the country's nuclear policy direction and key achievements.

Koo reflected on South Korea's development alongside nuclear energy and presented a vision for leading nuclear innovation over the next 70 years. He said the government views nuclear power as a core pillar of energy security and carbon neutrality, as well as a strategic technology to drive future growth, and that it is pursuing both a stable expansion of carbon-free power generation and next-generation nuclear innovation. He also outlined plans to develop next-generation nuclear technologies and create new markets through seven SEED projects.

The government is advancing the development and broader use of an innovative SMR under a dedicated SMR special act, while also pursuing SMR-powered vessels that combine nuclear and shipbuilding and maritime technologies as part of the K-Moonshot initiative. Koo said trust in safety and accountability must underpin future nuclear innovation and expansion, and expressed the government's commitment to international cooperation for sustainable nuclear development.

He reaffirmed South Korea's firm commitment to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and said the country would work closely with the IAEA and the international community on key issues, including the nuclear programs of North Korea and Iran, the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, and the discharge of treated water from Fukushima.

On the sidelines of the conference, Koo held bilateral meetings with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and senior officials from Singapore, Canada and other countries to discuss expanding cooperation in future nuclear fields such as SMRs and coordinating responses to major international issues. He also invited high-level participation in the IAEA Nuclear Energy Ministerial to be held in South Korea in October, proposing that discussions on the future role of nuclear energy and international cooperation continue on Korean soil.

"South Korea will lead next-generation nuclear innovation, including SMRs and maritime nuclear power," Koo said. "We look forward to discussing the new possibilities of nuclear energy and the future of international cooperation with representatives from around the world at the IAEA Nuclear Energy Ministerial in Korea."