Science ministry unveils nuclear innovation vision at IAEA General Conference

The science ministry presented South Korea's future nuclear innovation vision at the 70th International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference. First Vice Minister Gu Hyeok-chae delivered the keynote address on Tuesday in Vienna, emphasizing the nation's commitment to developing advanced small modular reactors and combining them with shipbuilding expertise.

Gu described nuclear energy as a core foundation for energy security and carbon neutrality while positioning it as a strategic technology for future growth. He announced that the government will drive the development of next-generation technologies and create new markets through seven SEED projects.

Under special legislation enacted for the sector, the ministry is pushing forward with the development and expanded utilization of innovative small modular reactors. As part of the K-Moonshot initiative, officials are also pursuing SMR vessels that integrate nuclear power with maritime and shipbuilding technologies.

"South Korea will lead next-generation nuclear innovations such as SMRs and maritime nuclear power," Gu said. He added that he expects to discuss new possibilities for nuclear energy and the future of international cooperation with representatives from various countries at the IAEA Nuclear Ministers' Meeting to be held in South Korea next month.

To sustain this momentum, the vice minister stressed that trust in safety and responsibility must underpin any expansion of nuclear innovation. He reaffirmed South Korea's firm commitment to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and pledged close cooperation with the IAEA on major issues including nuclear concerns involving North Korea and Iran, safety at Ukrainian facilities, and treated water discharge from Fukushima.

During the conference, Gu held bilateral talks with high-level officials from Singapore, Canada and other nations to discuss expanding cooperation in future nuclear fields. He specifically requested their high-level attendance at the upcoming ministers' meeting in October to continue global discussions on the role of nuclear energy.

Gu also joined IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for the opening ceremony of a Korean technology exhibition themed around the 70th anniversary of Korea-IAEA partnership. At the event, he handed over a donation of twenty thousand dollars to support the agency's cancer control activities in developing countries.