South Korea’s nuclear landscape is set to undergo a huge transformation. A joint venture company between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission has approved the SMART100, a revolutionary Small Modular Reactor (SMR) developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). In September of 2024, our nation will celebrate an incredible achievement. This milestone represented a key milestone in its global aspirations for the nascent offshore nuclear power market.
The new SMART100 reactor is a beautiful continuation of the original SMART design. It was the first small modular reactor (SMR) to receive standard design approval in 2012. This new iteration is known as the System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor 100. Along with its sprawling size, it includes high-tech features that increase its operational capabilities.
Design and Capabilities of SMART100
Purpose-built with enough room to float any number of floating SMRs layouts, the SMART100 could potentially host any combination of SMRs. Its innovative design integrates essential components such as the pressuriser, cooling pump, steam generator, and core within a single reactor pressure vessel. This space-saving design improves both the public’s safety and the convenience for installation and maintenance.
Originally designed as a dual-purpose solution for electricity production and desalination, SMART technology has undergone substantial changes since its creation. KAERI intended to construct a demonstration plant for the SMART reactor by 2017. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, all progress came to a halt as they never received a single order for the first prized reference unit. After the recent certification of the SMART100, KAERI is now poised to revive these plans.
Implications for the Offshore Nuclear Market
To Ahn Young-kyu, head of Samsung Heavy Industries’ Technology Development Division, the certification is a big deal. He noted,
“This certification is an important milestone for pioneering the offshore nuclear power market. We will secure safe and economical offshore nuclear power technology with the floating technology that Samsung Heavy Industries is proud of.”
With their groundbreaking approach, Samsung Heavy Industries is poised to lead the way in this evolving sector. As national defense advocates, they understand the strategic importance of offshore applications for nuclear energy.
Jo Jin-young, director of KAERI’s Advanced Reactor Research Institute, acknowledged the significance of obtaining Approval in Principle (AIP) for the SMART100. He stated,
“Obtaining this AIP utilising SMART100 proves the innovation of our nuclear technology. We will accelerate technology development so that Korea can establish itself as a leading country in the marine nuclear industry.”
South Korea helps shape the future of the global marine nuclear ecosystem. It manages those technological advances in a way that sustainably continues to meet its growing energy needs.
Future Prospects
The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission certified SMART100 in an official document. Now, KAERI is poised to make its vision a reality as they build these floating SMR plants for densely populated and/or remote coastal communities. This development increases our energy security more than at any moment in a generation. It offers a creative antidote to the world’s water shortages by harnessing the power of desalination.