Gyeongsangnam-do has called for government-level support to foster the nuclear power industry as a national core industry, proposing related policies and strategies.
On December 15, Gyeongnam Province held a briefing at the provincial government press center, stating, "We are in the early stages of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development. If we lead, we can secure energy sovereignty, but if we fall behind, we risk becoming an energy-dependent country." The province announced its proposals and strategies to the central government.
Kim Myungjoo, Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongnam Province, is presenting policies and strategies proposed to urge government-level support for fostering the nuclear power industry, including the enactment of the Special Act on Small Modular Reactors (SMR). Photo by Lee Seryung
The province first urged the enactment of the "Special Act on SMR."
It emphasized that the Special Act on SMR would enhance the reliability of corporate policies, encourage cooperation from companies that are delaying investments due to uncertainty, and serve as a starting point for retaining domestic experts who might otherwise move abroad.
The province also proposed easing and expanding the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Power Industry Growth Fund, designating nuclear technology as a national strategic technology under the Restriction of Special Taxation Act, and supporting large-scale investment for transitioning to SMR manufacturing.
Through these measures, the province expects to increase liquidity for corporate investment funds and reduce the investment burden on companies, thereby enabling rapid process innovation.
The province also suggested designating "SMR Industry Customized Specialized Complexes," including National Advanced Strategic Industry Specialized Complexes, Materials-Parts-Equipment Specialized Complexes, and Opportunity Development Zones.
It projected that establishing SMR specialized complexes connecting companies, research institutes, and universities would enable Gyeongnam to compete with leading countries in SMR development through expanded public-private cooperation and focused investment.
The province also highlighted the need to establish a comprehensive support system for the entire SMR lifecycle, including research and development, manufacturing, testing and certification, operation, and maintenance.
It requested government support for building an "SMR AI Platform" to ensure mutual complementarity between "AI for SMR" and "SMR for AI" by applying artificial intelligence technology throughout the SMR process, from design and production to operation.
Additionally, the province called for the unification and relaxation of SMR regulations, which are currently scattered across different ministries.
It also proposed measures to strengthen Korea-U.S. nuclear cooperation, such as forming a Korea-U.S. Nuclear Cooperation Council, establishing a Korea-U.S. Nuclear Industry Growth Support Fund, jointly developing and mutually verifying regulatory standards, and building a stable nuclear fuel supply chain.
Finally, the province emphasized the need to establish a "Graduate School of Nuclear Industry," develop educational programs related to the nuclear power industry, and train practical personnel for on-site application.
A Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is a next-generation reactor that modularizes key reactor components for factory production, which are then assembled and installed on-site, generating up to 300 MW of electricity.
Compared to large-scale nuclear power plants, SMRs are drawing attention as next-generation distributed energy sources due to their higher safety and efficiency and the ability to supply power according to demand. Countries worldwide, including Korea, are focusing on developing SMR models.
Gyeongnam is home to about 340 nuclear power companies, centered around Doosan Enerbility, the only domestic manufacturer of major nuclear power plant equipment. The province is recognized for its potential in SMR technology development, world-class nuclear manufacturing capabilities, and robust supply chain infrastructure.
Accordingly, under the 8th popularly elected administration, Gyeongnam Province has selected "SMR Technology Development and Normalization of the Nuclear Power Industry" as a core provincial policy. For the first time, it has established the "Gyeongnam Nuclear Power Industry Promotion Comprehensive Plan," investing a total of 2.597 trillion won in three major strategies, 13 key tasks, and 41 detailed projects, to systematically advance infrastructure building, technology development, workforce training, and export-oriented companies.
In addition, the province proactively proposed to the government the "Korea-U.S. Nuclear Industry Cooperation Implementation Plan," a 97 trillion won initiative consisting of four strategies, ten core tasks, and 22 detailed projects.
Kim Myungjoo, Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs, stated, "Korea's nuclear technology has been proven to be world-class through the successful construction and operation of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and the recent winning of a new nuclear power plant contract in the Czech Republic. Just as the semiconductor industry has grown into Korea's core industry, the nuclear power industry, with its infinite potential, also requires groundbreaking support at the national level."
He added, "The current government's core priorities-emerging as one of the top three AI powers and transitioning to renewable energy-cannot be achieved without the nuclear power industry. To maintain our ecosystem and technological edge in nuclear manufacturing, consistent government policy support for the industry is essential."
Deputy Governor Kim further stated, "Gyeongnam is the largest nuclear manufacturing cluster in Korea. We aim to complete a manufacturing-centered SMR industry ecosystem and lead the global market. Through this SMR global development strategy, we will establish a full-cycle support system covering technology, systems, finance, workforce, and exports, focusing all our capabilities to make Gyeongnam the center of Korea's SMR industry and a world-class manufacturing hub."
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