[Gyeongju APEC] Energy Leaders Seek Power Solutions in the 'AI Era'

Nuclear Industry Leaders Including TerraPower Discuss the "Energy Mix"
"How to Address Power Demand and Carbon Neutrality Simultaneously"
Exploring Asia-Pacific Cooperation Using U.S. LNG

Global energy leaders gathered at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit to explore power solutions for the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Discussions focused on building an ecosystem for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain, next-generation nuclear power strategies, and AI-based energy management systems.

Christopher Leveck, CEO of TerraPower, emphasized during the "Solutions for a Sustainable Future: The Role of AI-Based Energy Demand and Next-Generation Nuclear Power" session held on the 31st at the Gyeongju Arts Center that "Founder Bill Gates envisions building nuclear power plants in countries with rapidly growing populations to help them escape energy poverty."

Christopher Leveck, CEO of TerraPower, is speaking on the topic of "Solutions for a Sustainable Future: The Role of AI-Based Energy Demand and Next-Generation Nuclear Power" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit held on the 31st at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongbuk. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Founded in 2006 by Bill Gates, Chairman of the Gates Foundation, TerraPower is recognized as one of the top three small modular reactor (SMR) development companies in the United States. The SMR sector is expected to generate synergy by combining U.S. intellectual property with Korea’s manufacturing capabilities, and companies such as SK Innovation and Doosan Enerbility are collaborating with TerraPower.

CEO Leveck explained, "By using liquid sodium as a coolant in sodium-cooled reactors, we can reduce the size of power plants to one-third while still operating 24 hours a day. Combining nuclear power with renewable energy can create high added value." He added, "TerraPower can deliver up to 10 sodium reactors annually by the mid-2030s, and we plan to expand into regions that need nuclear energy."

Cho Seokjin, Executive Vice President of Technology at Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, repeatedly emphasized the importance of nuclear power as a solution to both power demand in the AI era and carbon neutrality. He stated, "With the expansion of AI and data centers, global power demand is surging, and at the same time, there is a movement toward carbon neutrality. Nuclear power is crucial for a balanced energy mix because it can provide large-scale, stable power without carbon emissions."

CEO Leveck highlighted collaboration with Korean companies, saying, "Four years ago, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won became an important partner by investing in and supporting our vision." He also said, "HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will supply the reactor for the Wyoming nuclear power plant in the United States, and while it may seem unrelated to nuclear power, it is well matched with shipyard construction." HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has accumulated expertise by participating in the development of key facilities for projects such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).

Maria Korsnick, President of the American Nuclear Society, is speaking at the 'Solutions for a Sustainable Future: AI-Based Energy Demand and the Role of Next-Generation Nuclear Power' session during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit held on the 31st at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongbuk. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

In the following "Asia-Pacific LNG Cooperation" session, the strategic role of U.S. LNG and the industry's vision were discussed. Participants included Chey Jae-won, Executive Vice Chairman of SK Group, Chu Hyungwook, CEO of SK Innovation, and Joo Youngjun, President of Hanwha Futureproof. Panelists from companies such as Santos (Australia), Osaka Gas (Japan), and PTT (Thailand) agreed on the need for ongoing cooperation, including building long-term, trust-based partnerships between the U.S. and Asia.

In his congratulatory remarks, Executive Vice Chairman Chey Jae-won noted, "The AI industry and data centers require stable and reliable energy. This is a global challenge that demands global cooperation."

LNG has emerged as a key energy source that can meet the rapidly increasing power demand driven by AI innovation, complement the economics of nuclear power, and replace coal. The session featured discussions on securing energy security, price competitiveness, supply stability, and sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region, with LNG at the center.