Special law backs public-private joint ventures and R&D hubs to support SMR development from research to commercialization

Joint detailed design work to begin in 2027; construction of non-light-water SMRs targeted for the 2030s

A rendering of a small modular reactor (SMR). (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute)
A rendering of a small modular reactor (SMR). (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute)

The government is moving to accelerate the commercialization of small modular reactors, the next-generation nuclear power technology. A legal and institutional framework to support the entire development cycle — from research and development to demonstration and commercialization — has gone into full operation. The goal is to commercialize light-water SMRs by 2035.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said the Special Act on the Promotion and Support of Small Modular Reactor Development and its enforcement decree took effect Friday.

The special act was enacted in March to systematically promote SMR research and demonstration and to build a pan-government support system that turns research outcomes into actual commercialization and industry.

The law's implementation is expected to speed up SMR development in tandem with the government's "7 SEED Projects" initiative for future growth engines, which was unveiled last month. The government has set a goal of commercializing light-water SMRs by 2035 and beginning construction of non-light-water SMRs in the 2030s.

Under the special act, the Ministry of Science and ICT will draw up a basic SMR system development plan every five years and an annual implementation plan. The basic plan will cover not only technology development but also nuclear fuel supply chains, training of specialized personnel and securing public acceptance. It will also cover the designation and operation of research and development hubs.

The SMR System Development Promotion Committee will deliberate on major SMR development matters. It will bring together 11 central government agencies covering energy, industry, defense, maritime affairs and small and medium-sized enterprises, along with more than 10 private-sector experts. The committee will discuss technology development, demonstration, corporate cooperation and regulatory improvements for a range of SMR applications, including land-based power generation, ship propulsion and industrial heat supply.

The government will also support private-sector-led SMR commercialization. It plans to help establish companies jointly funded by private firms and public institutions and to provide budgetary support for related project costs. Through SMR research consortiums involving industry, academia and research institutes, the government will support research and development, technology transfer and commercialization. It will also support training of specialized personnel and the shared use of facilities and equipment.

Regions with concentrated SMR research and development capabilities may be designated as SMR System Research and Development Zones. Eligible areas must have universities, research institutions and companies with sufficient personnel and infrastructure, and must have established a cooperative framework with local governments.

Starting next year, the government will begin joint public-private detailed design work on SMRs. It plans to shorten verification and demonstration periods by operating large research facilities and equipment in a concentrated manner and by using advanced technologies such as digital twins.

For non-light-water SMRs, the government will foster specialized commercialization companies — including SPCs jointly funded by the public and private sectors — from the early stages of development. It also plans to expand SMR applications beyond power generation to industrial complex process heat, and to maritime, defense and space uses.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon said, "The implementation of the special SMR act and its enforcement decree marks an institutional starting point for connecting our accumulated nuclear R&D capabilities to demonstration and commercialization and expanding them into an industry." He added, "We will push forward with technology development and institutional improvements at speed so that Korea can lead the global SMR market."


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com