[Photo] 'Global SMR Leader' Republic of Korea

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining attention as the next-generation energy source. Unlike large reactors that produce over 1000MW of power, SMRs generate less than 300MW and are designed as modular units by integrating major components. They offer higher safety than conventional large nuclear power plants, require less installation space, and have simpler design and operational procedures, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions. In an era where global electricity demand is rapidly increasing due to the explosive spread of AI technology and the expansion of electric vehicles, Korea hopes to secure a leading position in the global market through the development of Korean-style small modular reactor technology. The photo shows Kwon Yong-se, a senior researcher at the Innovation Small Modular Reactor Technology Development Project Group in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, inspecting the heat exchange process of the innovative small modular reactor through a hologram simulation.