S. Korean SMR model to be designed to avoid tech disputes, start operation in 2034: agency

SEJONG, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea aims to begin operation of an independently developed small modular reactor (SMR) model in 2034, the state-run SMR development agency said Wednesday, noting that the model will be designed to avoid technology disputes with other countries.

The Innovative Small Modular Reactor Development Agency said it plans to complete the design of a standardized Korean-style SMR model and apply for approval with the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission by the end of this year, with the goal of commencing operations in 2034.

The agency said the model, named the i-SMR, or innovative-SMR, is expected to have a competitive edge over those being developed by other countries, such as the United States, Britain and France, in terms of safety and cost.

The agency is currently working on developing an SMR model with a generation capacity of 170 megawatts per module.

"We are working to make sure our SMR model does not have any technology disputes with foreign countries," agency President Kim Han-gon told reporters, when asked about the possible impact on the project from an intellectual property dispute settlement between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and U.S. nuclear energy firm Westinghouse.

Last month, media reports suggested the KHNP will be prohibited from bidding for new nuclear power plant projects in North America and most European Union nations under an alleged settlement deal signed with Westinghouse in January, following a yearslong dispute between the two companies.

"Because the SMR development project began while KHNP and Westinghouse were in a dispute, the presidential office (of the previous administration) instructed us to make sure the i-SMR does not face the same situation," Kim said.

Kim said his agency has worked to avoid all possible patent disputes with foreign countries, including the U.S.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is working to establish another separate agency to commercialize the i-SMR, Kim added, noting that the technology is expected to become a key future export item for South Korea.

nyway@yna.co.kr
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