Bill Gates in S. Korea to discuss cooperation in next-generation nuclear reactors

Bill Gates, the founder of TerraPower, arrived in South Korea on Thursday to engage with political and business leaders regarding potential cooperation on next-generation nuclear reactors. The billionaire arrived at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul around 9:20 p.m. and is expected to hold multiple meetings over the coming days.

Gates last visited Seoul a year ago and is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on Friday, as well as prominent business figures such as SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun. TerraPower, which Gates founded in 2006, is focused on developing safer, more efficient, and cost-effective nuclear energy reactors.

The company has secured a $250 million investment from South Korea's SK Group and HD Hyundai, a major shipbuilder, has also expanded its collaborations with TerraPower in small modular reactors (SMRs). TerraPower's Natrium reactors are considered among the most advanced SMRs currently in development, offering higher thermal efficiency, improved safety, and generating approximately 40% less nuclear waste compared to conventional reactors.

In March, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted TerraPower a permit to construct an SMR plant in Wyoming, paving the way for the commercialization of these next-generation reactors.