[Click eStock] "Orbitech Expected to Emerge as Key Thorium SMR Stock Surpassing Uranium Limitations in Nuclear Power"

On December 10, independent research firm ValueFinder analyzed that Orbitech is expected to emerge as a key stock related to thorium-based SMR (Small Modular Reactor) technology, which could overcome the limitations of uranium in nuclear power.

Orbitech, listed on the KOSDAQ market in 2010, is a maintenance company specializing in the nuclear power radiation sector. Recently, as AI has driven increased interest in electricity demand, there has been a global trend toward expanding nuclear power generation. Major tech companies such as Google and Amazon are also directly investing in SMR developers, further raising expectations for growth in the nuclear power industry.

Amid these developments, interest in the nuclear decommissioning market is also on the rise. In Korea, the decommissioning of Kori Unit 1 was finally approved in June for the first time in the nation's history. Currently, there are 214 reactors worldwide that have been permanently shut down and are awaiting decommissioning.

Lee Chungheon, a researcher at ValueFinder, stated, "Orbitech has established a leading position by continuously participating in government projects and holding 72 decommissioning technologies and equipment as well as 20 patents. In particular, the company has strengths in radiation management, making it well-positioned not only in the domestic market but also for future expansion overseas."

Additionally, in November, Orbitech signed an MOU with Flibe Energy, a U.S.-based company specializing in thorium-based SMR technology, marking its entry into a new market. Flibe Energy was founded by Kirk Sorensen, a former NASA engineer, and is developing a fourth-generation nuclear reactor called the LFTR (Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor). The LFTR uses thorium instead of uranium as fuel and operates in a liquid state, which significantly reduces the risk of explosion or meltdown, making it a safer technology than conventional nuclear reactors. This is considered a blue ocean market that has not yet been commercialized by any company.

Researcher Lee added, "It is understood that Orbitech issued a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) investment commitment letter worth 1 million dollars yesterday. Although this does not entail an immediate equity purchase, through this investment, Orbitech is expected to grow into a company with a full-cycle business spanning nuclear power plant construction, equipment, and decommissioning."