This is a model of the System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor aka SMART, a small modular reactor developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). (KAERI)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

The country's small modular reactors (SMRs) under development have received high marks for global competitiveness in an evaluation by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Rep. Hwang Jung-a of the Democratic Party of Korea, quoting data in a report released last month from the National Assembly Research Service, on Sept. 8 said the nation's innovative SMRs ranked 10th among all SMR types and the small reactor SMART 100 13th.

The NEA regularly rates the progress of SMR technologies under development worldwide. Its latest report measured 74 reactor types in 18 countries.

President Lee Jae Myung on Aug. 25 right after his summit in Washington said, "We will focus on meeting electricity demand in the artificial intelligence era by developing and commercializing SMRs, while reinforcing energy security."

dusrud21@korea.kr