Eight, Selected for SMR Virtual Reactor Platform Development Project

Simulation-based digital twin company E8 announced on the 31st that it will participate in the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'Virtual Reactor Simulation Integrated Platform Development Project' and embark on a digital twin platform project for the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR).

The main goal of this project is to establish a virtual reactor platform in the form of a digital twin that can be universally applied to the development and technological advancement of Small Modular Reactors (SMR). This is a large-scale project with a total budget of 103.5 billion KRW. E8 will be responsible for implementing the reactor development environment as a digital twin, including ▲ 3D shape management of the virtual reactor simulator ▲ creation and management technology of 3D simulation libraries ▲ real-time visualization of virtual reactor simulation scenarios.

With the rapid increase in power consumption due to large-scale data centers and artificial intelligence expected to double by 2026, and nuclear power gaining attention as a key energy source for carbon neutrality (Net Zero), SMRs are emerging as a core future power source. SMRs have shorter manufacturing periods and simpler installation compared to conventional nuclear power plants, resulting in lower cost burdens and superior economic efficiency.

Through this project, the development of a simulation-based digital twin platform related to SMRs will enable securing the stability of SMRs through data acquisition, analysis, and simulation, quickly identifying unique physical phenomena, shortening the SMR development period, and further reducing costs. Additionally, securing advanced virtual reactor technology is expected to help preoccupy the overseas SMR market.

Jinhyun Kim, CEO of E8, said, "By participating in the virtual reactor platform project, our simulation-based digital twin solution is entering the energy industry, once again proving our excellent technological capabilities and diversifying our business portfolio." He added, "With the virtual reactor platform implemented by E8, the entire process of SMR design, manufacturing, and operation can be pre-verified and optimized." He continued, "This will greatly contribute to strengthening the global competitiveness of Korea's nuclear power industry."