{
  "id": 17868299,
  "title": "Korea prepares launch of new SMR review system this month: nuclear watchdog chief",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/korea-prepares-launch-of-new-smr-review-system-this-month-nuclear",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T22:47:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20261103/korea-prepares-launch-of-new-smr-review-system-this-month-nuclear-watchdog-chief"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Artificial intelligence is driving the rapid expansion of data centers, which in turn necessitate a constant and reliable source of power. To address this evolving energy demand, South Korea is poised to launch a new preliminary review system for small modular reactors (SMRs) at the end of the month. This system will facilitate the safety and design verifications of SMRs before they receive formal licensing, a feature that has already been embraced by nations like the United States and Canada. As the launch approaches, around ten companies, both domestic and international, have signaled their intention to apply for the system, with some even contemplating submitting their applications immediately following its implementation, according to Choi Won-ho, the head of South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC).",
  "summary": "Small modular reactors (SMRs) have emerged as an important, carbon-free energy source in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), where the explosive growth of data centers requires an unprecedented amount of stable power. In response to such shifts in energy demands, Korea is set to introduce a preliminary review system designed to streamline the commercial development and deployment of SMRs…",
  "key_points": [
    "South Korea to launch SMR review system end of month",
    "System to verify safety and design of SMRs before licensing",
    "10 companies, domestic and international, to apply"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "(Yonhap Interview) S. Korea prepares launch of new SMR review system this month: nuclear watchdog chief",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/yonhap-interview-s-korea-prepares-launch-of-new-smr-review-system",
        "published": "2026-11-02T21:00:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}