IAEA Conference Opens in South Korea
More than 800 nuclear experts and government officials from 60 countries gathered in Songdo, Incheon, to discuss future energy policy. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Energy Ministerial Conference opened at Songdo Convensia in Incheon on Oct. 27, creating a venue for high-level
A gathering of over 800 nuclear experts and government representatives from 60 countries convened at Songdo Convensia in Incheon, South Korea, on October 27 to attend the inaugural International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Energy Ministerial Conference. This marked the first time the IAEA hosted such a high-level policy meeting in South Korea, and it occurs every four years.
The Ministry of Science and ICT reported that the conference brought together 60 government representatives, eight international organizations, and 85 domestic and overseas companies, all focused on reviewing the role of nuclear energy in achieving carbon neutrality and energy security.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baegyeonghun, who chaired the conference, emphasized small modular reactors (SMRs) as a crucial policy direction for South Korea. SMRs offer flexibility in power supply, including for artificial intelligence data centers, industrial heat, and ship propulsion, and the government aims to advance SMR technology aligning with evolving demands. To support SMR commercialization, Baegyeonghun stressed the need to enhance relevant laws and systems.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, unable to attend in person due to a UN Security Council brief, delivered a video message. He noted growing government and financial support for nuclear energy and projected that global nuclear power capacity could surpass 1000GW by 2050, contingent upon project implementation. Grossi proposed key steps, such as securing resources for nuclear programs, maintaining long-term capacity, training personnel, bolstering supply chains, and engaging local communities, urging active involvement from the IAEA.
Prior to the conference, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, alongside participants, organized the Korea-U.S. Nuclear Industry Dialogue. Discussions centered on practical cooperation between companies from both nations, with major U.S. SMR firms like TerraPower and NuScale Power, and Korean entities such as Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Doosan Enerbility, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction participating.
The conference proceeded with high-level and expert sessions, focusing on funding mechanisms and strategies to build public trust in nuclear energy. Ultimately, the conference aimed to outline measures to enhance the safety and efficiency of nuclear energy across its entire lifecycle.
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