South Korea bets big on small reactors in return to nuclear

SK, Samsung see opportunities in President Yoon's pro-nuclear pivot

20220609N SK nuclear plant

Plans for new reactors at the Shin-Hanul nuclear plant are moving forward under new South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. (Photo courtesy of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power)

KOTARO HOSOKAWA, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- South Korean industrial giants like SK and Samsung are stepping up operations in nuclear power, zeroing in on small, easier-to-build reactors, as the country pivots back to nuclear energy under a new president.

SK announced in May a wide-ranging partnership with Bill Gates-founded startup TerraPower with a focus on small reactors, spanning technology development and commercialization. With energy company SK Innovation taking on a central role, SK seeks to harness the group's expertise in each step, from development to installation to operation.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.