A model of a small modular reactor is displayed at the Doosan Bobcat booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Jan. 6, the opening day of CES. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Feb. 25 (Asia Today) — The Ministry of Science and ICT has begun preparatory research to draft enforcement decrees for South Korea’s new Small Modular Reactor Special Act, aiming to accelerate technology development and commercialization of next-generation nuclear power systems.
The legislation, which passed the National Assembly on Feb. 12, still requires Cabinet approval and presidential assent before taking effect. The ministry said it has included a study on drafting enforcement measures in its first-half 2026 nuclear policy research projects to ensure the law’s smooth implementation.
The SMR Special Act, proposed by Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Jeong-ah, establishes administrative, financial and technical support for the development of small modular reactor systems. It mandates that the ministry formulate a five-year basic plan for SMR system development and create a dedicated promotion committee under the Nuclear Energy Promotion Committee.
The law also authorizes the science minister to designate areas with clusters of universities, research institutes or companies involved in SMR development as special research and development zones.
A ministry official said the bill is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet early next month and that research to support the enforcement decree could begin as soon as mid-March.
The study will analyze overseas cases, including the United States and Canada, where efforts are underway to speed up SMR technology development, licensing and demonstration timelines. It will also review relevant laws and enforcement regulations in countries actively pursuing SMR commercialization.
The ministry plans to propose practical enforcement measures within the framework of existing laws, including the Nuclear Energy Promotion Act and the Nuclear Safety Act, to facilitate early deployment of SMR technology.
The government has identified SMRs as a potential power supply solution to support expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure and other high-demand industries. Since taking office, Deputy Prime Minister and Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon has pledged to strengthen investment in SMR and related technologies and has discussed commercialization strategies with other cabinet officials.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260225010007607