S. Korea, US can make 'great' progress in SMRs: State Department official

Incheon — A U.S. State Department official has expressed optimism about the potential for South Korea and the United States to make significant strides in the nuclear sector, particularly in the development of next-generation reactors, as nations worldwide compete in this field. Christopher Klein, a deputy assistant secretary for nuclear nonproliferation and commercial competitiveness at the U.S. Department of State, made these remarks in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday.

Klein stated that the global landscape has evolved into a "nuclear renaissance" and emphasized that both countries possess extensive experience and expertise. When working together, he asserted, "we can achieve great things."

Klein's comments were made during an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power, which took place in Incheon, South Korea, for the first time this year. The three-day event, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), provided a platform for discussions on the latest advancements in nuclear technology.

Klein's remarks come as increasing attention is being focused on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a novel class of nuclear power plants that offer the promise of reliable, carbon-free energy generation.