South Korea’s nuclear energy strategy is undergoing a transformative shift, with small modular reactors (SMRs) at the forefront. Spearheaded by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), these compact reactors are increasingly being seen as central to the nation's energy policy, offering flexibility, scalability, and ultimately a pathway to carbon neutrality.

KHNP’s SMR vision

KHNP's commitment to SMRs is exemplified by the development of the SMART100 (System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor 100), which received standard design approval as was reported by World Nuclear News in September 2024, from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission. This advanced version of the original SMART design is a 330 MWt pressurised water reactor capable of generating up to 100 MWe and is designed for both electricity generation and thermal applications such as seawater desalination.

The SMART100's design integrates advanced safety features and modular construction techniques, enabling rapid deployment and reduced capital costs – key in aiding many of the multi-island nations across Asia where a number of hitherto nuclear free nations are known to be considering the future deployment of SMRs.

The i-SMR meanwhile, another KHNP initiative, is tailored to replace ageing coal-fired power plants, aligning with South Korea's carbon neutrality goals. It is designed to be economically competitive with even the largest of nuclear power plants while offering operational flexibility. Essentially a compact nuclear power plant designed to generate up to 300 MW of electricity per unit, unlike traditional large-scale reactors, SMRs are built using modular, factory-fabricated components, allowing for much faster construction, lower upfront costs, and a greater degree of flexibility in deployment. The i-SMR's modular design - with the ‘i’ standing for intelligent – also allows for incremental deployment, making it adaptable to varying energy demands and facilitating integration with renewable energy sources, KHNP says.

Domestic policy alignment

In 2022, the South Korean government unveiled a new energy policy aiming to maintain nuclear energy's share in the national energy mix at a minimum of 30% by 2030. This policy, subsequent political shifts in South Korea notwithstanding, also set the ambitious goal of exporting 10 nuclear power plants by 2030, underscoring the strategic importance of nuclear energy in national policy. KHNP's SMR initiatives to date have seemingly fallen in line with this policy, positioning the company as a key player in both domestic energy security and international nuclear energy markets, NUCNET has said - and as was evident at the late-August Korea Energy Show in Busan, South Korea with KHNP establishing a commanding presence in the form of one of the most prominent booths at the event.

Scalability

One of the most compelling features of SMRs is their flexibility. Unlike traditional large-scale reactors, SMRs – as the i-SMR demonstrates - can be deployed incrementally, allowing for a modular approach to energy generation. This scalability means that power plants can be expanded as demand grows, reducing the risk of overcapacity and enabling more precise alignment with energy needs.

Moreover, SMRs can operate in tandem with renewable energy sources, providing a more stable and reliable power supply that complements the intermittent nature of solar at nighttime, and wind energy whenever a region is becalmed. This synergy is crucial for successfully achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing energy resilience.

KHNP's SMR expertise is thus gaining international recognition, and earlier in 2025, KHNP and Oklo, a US-based nuclear technology company, announced plans to collaborate on the standard design development and licensing strategy for Oklo's planned Aurora powerhouse. This partnership aims to advance the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies in the United States at a time significant moves in nuclear power proliferation are being seen.

KHNP is also exploring SMR options with Thailand's EGAT, focusing at present, sources indicate, on technical information exchange and personnel training to one day facilitate the introduction of SMRs in Thailand; one of multiple Southeast Asian nations looking to move into SMR use in the years ahead.

These collaborations not only bolster South Korea's position in the global nuclear energy tech market but also contribute to the international proliferation of safe and sustainable nuclear technologies with Korea seen as a figurehead in that regard.

Other domestic applications

KHNP's vision, however, extends beyond traditional power generation. The company is already understood to be developing the Smart Net Zero City (SSNC) concept according to its own site, in the process integrating SMRs with renewable energy sources to create self-sustaining, carbon-neutral urban environments. The SSNC model when up and running aims to reduce energy production costs by up to 30% compared to conventional cities, offering a blueprint for future urban development in line with sustainability goals.

Challenges ahead

Despite the promising deals made and concepts in place, the deployment of SMRs still faces a number of challenges. Regulatory hurdles in some areas, public acceptance, and the need for skilled workforce development are critical factors that could – and will – in the end influence the pace of SMR adoption. As such, addressing these challenges requires transparent and effective communication, more than adequate safety protocols, and comprehensive training programs to ensure the successful integration of SMRs into societies across Korea and Asia.

To this end, KHNP's focus on SMRs represents an alignment of technological innovation with national energy policy objectives that can be put in place anywhere across Asia, and by embracing SMRs in South Korea, the nation is not only enhancing its own domestic energy security but is also positioning itself as a leader in the regional and global nuclear energy market to allow others to follow suit.