Koo Hyuk-chae, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT (headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon), attended the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Vienna, Austria from September 14 to 18, as the head of the Republic of Korea’s delegation, presenting the nation’s vision for future nuclear innovation to the international community. In a keynote speech on September 15 local time, Vice Minister Koo defined nuclear energy as a core foundation for energy security and carbon neutrality as well as a strategic technology to drive future growth, and expressed his commitment to next-generation technology development and international cooperation.
 [코리안투데이] Koo Hyuk-chae, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, delivering a keynote speech at the 70th IAEA General Conference © 장형임 기자 |
In his keynote address, First Vice Minister Koo Hyuk-chae revisited the role and achievements of the IAEA in leading the peaceful use of nuclear energy over the past 70 years, and looked back on the Republic of Korea’s journey of growing alongside nuclear power. He then laid out a vision to lead future nuclear innovation into a new 70 years.
Vice Minister Koo explained that Korea views nuclear energy both as a means to expand a stable carbon-free power supply and as an engine of future growth, and that it is pursuing the expansion of carbon-free power and nuclear innovation in tandem. In this context, he presented a plan to develop next-generation nuclear technologies and create new markets through the 7 SEED projects.
He also outlined specific directions for technology development. Based on the SMR Special Act, the Ministry of Science and ICT is promoting the development and expanded use of the innovative small modular reactor (i-SMR), while also pursuing the development of SMR-powered ships that combine nuclear technology with shipbuilding and marine technology as part of the K-Moonshot initiative. Small modular reactors, being smaller in scale and broader in application than large nuclear plants, are regarded as central to the next-generation nuclear market.
Vice Minister Koo stressed that trust in safety and responsibility must underpin the innovation and expansion of future nuclear energy, emphasizing Korea’s commitment to international cooperation for sustainable nuclear power development. He also reaffirmed Korea’s firm commitment to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and pledged to cooperate closely with the IAEA and the international community on key issues such as the North Korean and Iranian nuclear problems, the safety and security of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, and the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima.
During the conference, Vice Minister Koo held bilateral meetings with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and high-level officials from countries including Singapore and Canada, discussing the expansion of cooperation in future nuclear fields such as SMRs and joint responses to major international issues. In particular, he requested high-level participation in the IAEA Nuclear Energy Ministerial Meeting to be held in the Republic of Korea this coming October, proposing that discussions on the role of future nuclear energy and international cooperation continue in Korea.
Together with Director General Grossi, Vice Minister Koo also attended the opening ceremony of Korea’s technology exhibition hall, organized under the theme of the 70th Anniversary of Korea-IAEA Cooperation Partnership and Future Vision, where he shared cooperation achievements and the future vision. He also delivered a donation of 20,000 US dollars to support the IAEA’s cancer-fighting activities in developing countries.
Vice Minister Koo Hyuk-chae stated, ‘The Republic of Korea will lead next-generation nuclear innovation in areas such as SMRs and offshore nuclear power,’ adding, ‘I look forward to discussing, together with delegates from around the world, the new possibilities of nuclear energy and the future of international cooperation at the IAEA Nuclear Energy Ministerial Meeting to be held in the Republic of Korea next month.’
지역 홍보대사 신청 기자양성과정 신청 코리안투데이 지부장 신청 코리안투데이 인천강화코리안브랜드대상 신청 최고경영인대상 신청 소비자만족도대상 신청
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