Science ministry unveils seven projects for future growth

The science ministry said Wednesday it unveiled seven technology projects to cultivate South Korea's future growth engines, citing rising power demand from artificial intelligence, carbon-neutrality challenges and the need to secure industries for the next 10 to 20 years.

The SEED program groups the projects into clean energy, next-generation frontier technologies and supply-chain ecosystems. They include small modular reactors, nuclear fusion, renewable energy, quantum technology, space, aviation, advanced biotechnology, critical minerals, and materials, parts and equipment.

The ministry presented the plan at a joint interministerial report meeting at Cheongwadae's Chungmu Room on Aug. 12, where private-sector experts offered recommendations on energy technology, supply chains and the need to secure advanced technology. Models of a ship-mounted SMR, a quantum computer and a lunar-orbit satellite were displayed.

The ministry plans to begin detailed design work on small modular reactors through public-private cooperation in 2027, commercialize light-water models by 2035 and begin construction of non-light-water models in the 2030s.

SMRs can be manufactured in factories and assembled on site, the ministry said, describing them as a carbon-free energy source suited to rising demand for electricity. The government plans to accelerate demonstration work by operating major facilities and equipment collectively and using technologies including digital twins.

For non-light-water SMRs, the government plans to establish a special-purpose company jointly funded by public and private sectors from the start of development to target global markets. It also plans a technology-neutral, performance-based regulatory framework for SMR licensing by 2030, alongside a pre-review system and regulatory research group.

The ministry said it will identify and improve laws and systems that constrain SMR applications through a government-wide task force. It plans to use the reactors as sources of electricity and heat for industrial complexes, maritime applications, defense and space.

"We must use the golden opportunity created by the semiconductor industry to prepare in advance for the next growth engines after the AI era," President Lee Jae-myung said. "The government will provide firm support so that our innovative companies and scientists and technologists can freely pioneer markets and take on bold challenges," he added.