- Korea advances the development of advanced small modular reactor technologies and the creation of new markets through the Seven SEED Projects and the K-Moonshot Project
- Korea will host the IAEA’s International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in October to continue discussions on international cooperation for the future of nuclear energy
【Related National Policy Task】 26-4. Securing technological sovereignty through strategic international cooperation in science and technology
Vice Minister Koo Hyuk-chae of the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) attended the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Vienna, Austria, from September 14 to 18, as Korea’s head of delegation. In his keynote address on September 15, local time, he outlined Korea’s nuclear policy priorities and key achievements.
Vice Minister Koo highlighted the IEAE’s role and achievements in advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy over the past 70 years. Reflecting on how nuclear energy has supported Korea’s development, he presented Korea’s vision to lead nuclear innovation over the next 70 years. He emphasized that Korea views nuclear energy as a cornerstone of energy security and carbon neutrality, and as a strategic technology for future growth. Korea is therefore working to expand reliable, carbon-free power capacity while advancing nuclear innovation. He also outlined plans to develop next-generation nuclear technologies and create new markets through the Seven SEED Projects.
He also highlighted that, under the special act on small modular reactors (SMRs), Korea is pursuing the development and wider deployment of innovative small modular reactors (i-SMRs), while also working to develop SMR-powered vessels that integrate nuclear technology with shipbuilding and marine technologies as part of the K-Moonshot initiative. He further emphasized that public confidence in safety and accountability is essential to future innovation and expansion in nuclear energy, and reaffirmed Korea's commitment to international cooperation for sustainable nuclear energy development.
Vice Minister Koo reaffirmed Korea's firm commitment to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and stressed that Korea would continue to work closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the international community on key issues, including North Korea's and Iran's nuclear issues, the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, and Fukushima's treated water.
During the General Conference, Vice Minister Koo held bilateral meetings with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and senior officials from several countries, including Singapore and Canada. They discussed ways to expand cooperation in emerging areas of nuclear energy, including SMRs, as well as ways to cooperate on key international issues. In particular, he invited high-level participation in the IAEA International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power, to be held in Korea this October, and proposed continuing discussions in Korea on the future role of nuclear energy and international cooperation.
Vice Minister Koo also attended the opening ceremony of the Korean Technology Exhibition Pavilion, held under the theme of 70 years of Korea-IAEA partnership, and future vision, alongside IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. At the ceremony, they shared the achievements of Korea-IAEA cooperation and its future vision, and Vice Minister Koo presented a donation of USD 20,000 to support the IAEA's efforts to combat cancer in developing countries.
Vice Minister Koo stated, "The Republic of Korea will continue to lead next-generation nuclear innovation, including SMRs and maritime nuclear technologies." He added, "I look forward to discussing the new possibilities for nuclear energy and the future of international cooperation with representatives from around the world at the IAEA International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power, which will be held in Korea next month."
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF.