South Korea Designates Small Modular Reactors and Nuclear Fusion as Key Future Growth Technologies

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will chair a briefing session on the "Future Growth Engines—Seven Seeds" at Cheong Wa Dae on the afternoon of August 12, focusing on the development pathways for advanced technologies including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and nuclear fusion, as well as related industrial ecosystems and supply chain security measures.

According to Cheong Wa Dae, the meeting aims to jointly study advanced technology deployment with the science and industry communities, support artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, and strengthen South Korea's future industrial foundation capabilities. The seven areas designated as priorities include Small Modular Reactors, nuclear fusion, renewable energy, quantum technology, aerospace, advanced biotechnology, and advanced materials and component supply chains.

In the energy sector, Small Modular Reactors and nuclear fusion have been incorporated into the core technology scope related to future economic and security interests. The meeting will discuss how to advance energy technology R&D, commercialization, and supply chain development in response to the new demands for stable energy supply arising from AI development, while enhancing long-term competitiveness through talent cultivation and research ecosystem innovation.

Prior to the briefing session, Lee Jae-myung will tour models of Small Modular Reactors, quantum computers, and a lunar orbiter. Subsequently, expert presentations will be delivered on topics including energy technology and supply chains, as well as future directions for advanced technology development. Government agencies will also provide policy briefings on R&D, technology acquisition, commercialization, and advanced supply chain ecosystem development.

Approximately 60 government and private-sector representatives will participate in the event. Private participants include researchers from universities, research institutes, and enterprises, science and engineering students, entrepreneurs, and venture capital representatives; on the government side, officials from ministries related to science and technology, industry, education, and climate and energy will attend. Participants will also engage in discussions on "Advanced Technologies Opening the Future and the Role of Government."