Skip to main content

South Korean organizations unite to innovate in the maritime industry with the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) powered ships

Nine South Korean organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the development and demonstration of ships and offshore systems powered with small modular reactors (SMRs). The partners will also develop marine systems and the production of hydrogen using molten salt reactors (MSRs).

Representatives from the partners mark the signing of the MoU (Image: KAERI)
Since July, an advisory panel - the Green Transformation (GX) Executive Committee - has been considering the implementation of major changes in energy, all industries, and the economy and society in order to achieve the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The government's GX implementation meeting was held on 22 December, during which a roadmap for the next ten years was agreed as a "basic policy for the realisation of GX".

Under the new policy - which describes nuclear power as "a power source that contributes to energy security and has a high decarbonisation effect" - Japan will maximise the use of existing reactors by restarting as many of them as possible and prolonging the operating life of aging ones beyond the current 60-year limit. The government also said the country will develop advanced reactors to replace those that are decommissioned.

Under revised regulations which came into force in July 2013, Japanese reactors have a nominal operating period of 40 years. Extensions may be granted once only and are limited to a maximum of 20 years, contingent on exacting safety requirements.

On 21 December, Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority approved a draft of a new rule that would allow the reactors to be operated for more than the current limit of 60 years. Under the amendment, the operators of reactors in use for 30 years or longer must formulate a long-term reactor management plan and gain approval from the regulator at least once every 10 years if they are to continue to operate.

The new policy will effectively extend the period reactors can remain in operation beyond 60 years by excluding the time they spent offline for inspections from the total service life.

Under the new policy, Japan will also develop and construct "next-generation innovative reactors" to replace about 20 reactors that are set to be decommissioned.

Bills to implement the new policy will be submitted to parliament during the ongoing session.
Nuclear policies vary by country, but some common policies include:

Nuclear energy development: This policy outlines the goals and objectives for the development of nuclear energy within a country, including the construction and operation of nuclear power plants.

Nuclear safety and security: This policy sets guidelines and regulations to ensure the safe and secure operation of nuclear power plants, and to minimize the risk of accidents and security threats.

Nuclear waste management: This policy addresses the disposal of nuclear waste, including the storage, transportation, and disposal of radioactive material.

Decommissioning of nuclear facilities: This policy outlines the procedures for decommissioning nuclear facilities, including the safe shutdown of reactors and the disposal of radioactive waste.

International cooperation: This policy governs international cooperation and information exchange between countries on nuclear energy and related issues, including safety, security, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Nuclear non-proliferation: This policy seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to promote disarmament, through measures such as international treaties and inspections.

Nuclear energy research and development: This policy provides funding and support for research and development in nuclear energy, including the development of new reactor designs and fuel cycle technologies.

Nuclear energy regulation: This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of regulatory agencies, and sets standards and requirements for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants.

To find more on SMR kindly read this article:
https://alphaxioms.blogspot.com/2023/02/poland-leads-charge-to-sustainable.html

source:(https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/South-Korean-partnership-to-develop-SMR-powered-sh)

#SouthKorea #Maritime #SMR



Comments

Hot Topics

Exergy ORC to Revamp Ribeira Grande Geothermal Power Plant in the Azores

In a landmark move for clean energy in the Azores, Exergy ORC has secured a contract to revamp the Ribeira Grande geothermal power plant on São Miguel Island.  By :  Robert Buluma This pivotal project is being undertaken in collaboration with EDA Renováveis, and it marks Exergy's second geothermal venture in the region—reinforcing its commitment to advancing the energy transition during what is now widely regarded as the "Geothermal Decade." A Tailor-Made Solution for a Sustainable Future As part of the modernization, two outdated geothermal units will be replaced with a state-of-the-art, 5 MW Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system. This advanced solution has been specifically designed to enhance the performance and efficiency of the Ribeira Grande plant, utilizing geothermal resources more effectively and sustainably. The goal is not just to boost energy output, but to support São Miguel’s broader ambition: to run entirely on renewable energy. With the integration of Exergy...

Revolutionizing Geothermal Field Construction with Ultra‑Compact Coiled Tubing

As the global demand for renewable energy intensifies, geothermal systems are emerging as a sustainable solution for heating and cooling buildings. By:  Robert Buluma A recent innovation, Ultra‑Compact Coiled Tubing (UCCT), is poised to transform how geothermal wells are installed—especially in tight, urban environments where space, cost, and speed are critical factors. 🔧 What Is UCCT? Ultra‑Compact Coiled Tubing is a continuous, flexible tubing system designed to streamline the installation of geothermal wells. Originally developed for the oil and gas industry, coiled tubing is now being reimagined for geothermal applications, with this compact version offering unique advantages. Its design allows for greater tubing length in a smaller reel footprint, making it easier to transport and install in locations with space constraints. 🚀 Why UCCT Matters 1. Space‑Efficient Deployment The ultra-compact design significantly reduces the logistics footprint, which is crucial in densely pop...

Kenya Taps Deep Earth Power: 22MW Steam Breakthrough at Silali Sparks Geothermal Surge

🔋 Kenya Powers Forward: 1,065MW Green Boost from Silali Geothermal Field By:  Robert Buluma Kenya’s journey toward a clean energy future just got a massive boost  and it’s coming straight from the earth’s core. In a stunning breakthrough, the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has unlocked a high-capacity steam well at the Silali geothermal field in Baringo , delivering a rare yield of 22 megawatts (MW) — equivalent to four conventional wells combined. This discovery is a beacon of progress, pointing to a promising energy-rich future for Kenya. The Silali field is part of the Baringo-Silali-Paka geothermal block , a volcanic-rich zone that has been under active drilling for the last seven years. Alongside the Paka and Korosi fields, this region has proven to be a powerhouse of underground steam reserves. GDC is now targeting 300MW from this cluster, distributing 100MW from each of the three geothermal fields. Already, 75MW of steam has been harnessed, and the company p...

Teverra Powers Up Rico: A $200K Boost to Colorado’s Geothermal Future

By Robert Buluma | Alphaxioms Blog | July 8, 2025 From Fossil Fuels to the Earth’s Furnace—Rico is Rising Nestled in the mountainous beauty of southwest Colorado, the historic town of Rico is about to become a shining example of how geothermal innovation can power a resilient, carbon-free future. Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Colorado Energy Office, awarded under the state’s groundbreaking Geothermal Energy Grant Program, Teverra is setting the stage for a transformative shift in how rural communities heat their homes. 🔥 A Groundbreaking Project with Groundbreaking Heat Teverra, headquartered in Atlanta, is no stranger to subsurface energy innovation. But the Rico Heat Network Project might just be one of its most impactful endeavors yet. The company plans to deploy cutting-edge subsurface analysis, thermal modeling, and engineering expertise to develop a direct-use geothermal system that will sustainably heat and cool buildings across the town. This isn’t just a pilot—it’s a pr...

PGEO's Geothermal Ambition Ignites: Lumut Balai Unit 2 Nears Full Power by June 2025

PGEO's Geothermal Ambition Ignites: Lumut Balai Unit 2 Nears Full Power by June 2025 By  Alphaxioms | June 18, 2025 In the heart of Sumatra’s steamy rainforest, a silent revolution is unfolding one that doesn't spew smoke or roar with turbines, but hums with the promise of a greener tomorrow. PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGEO) is racing against time to power up its PLTP Lumut Balai Unit 2 , and with the first successful synchronization to PLN’s grid, the countdown to full commercial operation by June 2025 has officially begun. ⚡ The Beginning of a Brighter, Cleaner Era On June 16, 2025, PGEO achieved a crucial milestone: initial synchronization of Lumut Balai Unit 2 at 10% capacity (around 5.5 MW) of its total 55 MW output. What may sound like a small step was, in fact, the spark igniting a larger geothermal ambition. This step not only marks the start of transmitting electricity into the national grid, but it is also a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s forward march t...

Exergy, Baseload Sighn LOI For Kopsvatn Geothermal Plant In Iceland

Revolutionizing Geothermal Energy: Exergy Partners with Baseload Power Iceland to Transform Kopsvatn  By: Robert Buluma Image: Baseload Iceland,C.E.O Marta Ros Karlsdottir and Exergy's Luca Pozzoni shake hands upon signing of the LOI , Image source Exergy on LinkedIn In a groundbreaking development for geothermal energy, Exergy has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Baseload Power Iceland to supply two Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) units for the Kopsvatn geothermal power plant in Flúðir, Iceland. This partnership signifies a monumental leap in the utilization of small-scale binary systems that combine heat and power, paving the way for a global revolution in sustainable energy production.    A Milestone in Small-Scale Geothermal Innovation   The Kopsvatn geothermal power plant project embodies innovation at its finest. By integrating Exergy’s state-of-the-art ORC technology with Baseload Power Iceland’s strategic vision, this collaboration underscores the i...

PPC Renewables Announces Geophysical Assessment Tender In Tetra, Lesvos Greece

Unveiling the Hidden Mysteries:  PPC Renewables Calls for Tender in Petra, Lesvos Island By: Robert Buluma In the heart of the Aegean Sea lies an island of unparalleled beauty and historical significance – Lesvos. But beneath its serene surface lies a mystery waiting to be unraveled, and  PPC Renewables is taking the lead in uncovering it. Picture this: Land Geophysical Surveys, delving deep into the secrets of Petra, Lesvos Island, Greece. It's not just any ordinary survey; it's a journey into the unknown, a quest for knowledge hidden beneath the earth's surface. Referring to the intriguing Call for Tenders (ref/title: PR110000001319) dated 12th April 2024,  PPC Renewables beckons the daring and the curious to join them in this adventure. The scope of the contract? Nothing short of extraordinary – 2D Seismic Reflection, Gravity & Magnetic Surveys with precise positioning, coupled with integrated Geological-Tectonic-Geophysical analysis of all available data. But w...

Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Geothermal Future: UNDP Calls for Experts to Lead Groundbreaking Study

Unlocking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Geothermal Potential: A Golden Opportunity for Experts   By: Robert Buluma The global push for sustainable energy has ignited interest in geothermal resources, and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is the latest country stepping up to explore its underground energy reserves. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Development of a Study on the Geothermal Potential of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). This presents a lucrative opportunity for geothermal experts, energy consultants, and research institutions to shape the future of renewable energy in the region.   This is not the 80's when Geothermal Energy was being taxed as if it did not mean something, things have changed and it is getting similar incentives as other Renewables. What’s the Deal?   Published on January 29, 2025, this tender (Reference Number: UNDP-BIH-01166) seeks to assess, analyze, and ...

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico A Game-Changer for AI, Clean Energy, and the Future By Robert Buluma – Alphaxioms Energy Blog In a bold move that signals the future of energy and technology convergence, XGS Energy and Meta Platforms, Inc. have announced a groundbreaking agreement to develop 150 megawatts (MW) of next-generation geothermal energy in New Mexico. This partnership not only promises to reshape the state's energy landscape but also underscores the growing demand for sustainable, round-the-clock power to fuel the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven economies. Clean Power Without Water – XGS’s Unique Edge At the heart of this partnership lies XGS Energy’s proprietary solid-state geothermal technology. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely heavily on water and specific geological conditions, XGS’s innovation enables electricity production from hot, dry rock  with zero operating water use. This water-inde...

🔥 Geothermal Gold Beneath the Lion City: Singapore Uncovers Surprising Heat Power in Sembawang

When you think of Singapore, what comes to mind? Skyscrapers. Tech. Food. Green innovation. But now, add one more surprising trait to the list: geothermal powerhouse . By:  Robert Buluma That’s right beneath the city-state’s highly urbanized northern district lies a blazing opportunity that could redefine Singapore’s energy story. In a recent announcement that’s set the clean energy world abuzz, scientists from NTU Singapore and TUMCREATE revealed astonishing findings from a joint geothermal drilling project. At just 1.76 km underground in Sembawang , temperatures have soared to a jaw-dropping 122°C —a record-breaker for the region, and far higher than the 70°C earlier recorded at a shallower depth in Admiralty. This isn't just hot news. It’s a revolutionary discovery that could reshape how one of the world's most densely populated nations powers its future. 🌋 A Hidden Furnace Below the Urban Jungle This project—backed by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and th...