(Yonhap Interview) S. Korea prepares launch of new SMR review system this month: nuclear watchdog chief

Nuclear watchdog chief Choi Won-ho has revealed that South Korea is preparing to launch a new system this month to review and streamline the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs have gained prominence as a carbon-free energy source in the era of artificial intelligence, where the demand for stable power for data centers is rapidly increasing.

With this new preliminary review system, SMR developers will undergo safety and design verifications before seeking formal licensing. This system has been adopted by other countries like the United States and Canada. As the launch approaches, around ten companies, both domestic and international, have already expressed their interest in applying, with some considering submitting their applications immediately after the system's implementation, according to Choi Won-ho, head of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC).