Environment ministry outlines seven future technology projects for Korea

The environment ministry said Wednesday that government agencies had unveiled seven strategic projects as South Korea seeks new growth engines.

The government said the technological lead of its current main industries alone would not ensure sustainable growth in a rapidly changing technology environment. It plans to invest in and foster advanced technologies over the long term to secure new growth industries for the next 10 to 20 years. Private-sector experts at the joint government meeting offered views on the importance of energy technology, supply chains and securing advanced technology.

The plan groups the projects into clean energy, frontier technologies and supply chains: small modular reactors, fusion and limit-breaking renewable energy; quantum technology, aerospace and advanced biotechnology; and critical minerals and materials, components and equipment.

The government describes SMRs as a carbon-free energy source suited to rising electricity demand because they can be manufactured in factories and assembled on site. The SMR program targets commercialization of light-water SMRs in 2035, while construction of non-light-water designs is set to start in the 2030s. From 2027, public and private participants will begin detailed SMR design work.

For non-light-water SMRs, the government plans to establish a special-purpose company jointly funded by public and private partners to seek a position in global markets. It also plans to accelerate SMR demonstrations by operating large facilities and equipment in an integrated manner and using technologies including digital twins. The government aims to complete technology-neutral, performance-based regulations for licensing SMRs with varied purposes and designs by 2030, supported by a preliminary review system and regulatory research groups. A cross-government task force will identify and improve laws and systems that hinder SMR use. SMRs could supply electricity and heat for industrial complexes, maritime uses, defense and space.