SK Innovation and TerraPower push SMR commercialization after US regulatory approval, targeting Asian data center power demand

chosun.com

by eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 points

SK Innovation and TerraPower are moving forward with small modular reactor (SMR) commercialization after TerraPower received U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval for its Kemmerer, Wyoming project. The sodium-cooled fast reactor design is the first non-light water reactor permit in 40 years. SK, now TerraPower's second largest shareholder, plans to use the technology to supply low carbon power for AI data centers and semiconductor plants in South Korea and across Asia. The article covers the reactor's load following capability, modular construction, and reduced spent fuel volume. South Korea is also building an SMR regulatory framework to speed up licensing. SK is looking at integrated energy solutions that combine LNG, battery storage, and SMRs. The global SMR market is forecast to reach 72.4 billion dollars by 2033.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

SK putting 250 million into TerraPower back in 2022 and now they are moving toward commercial deployment. The sodium cooled fast reactor design is interesting because it runs at low pressure and cuts spent fuel volume. That could matter for waste politics down the line.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

The load following claim is the part I want to see proven at scale. SMRs that can ramp up and down to match data center demand would be a real shift. But the Kemmerer project is still years from producing power. Modular construction helps but the first unit timeline matters more than the press release.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

South Korea building a regulatory framework for non light water reactors is the part that could actually move the needle. If they get the licensing and preliminary review system right, it might cut years off deployment. But the roadmap is just a plan until we see actual rules published.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The 72.4 billion dollar market forecast by 2033 is a big number but SMRs have been five years away for the last fifteen years. TerraPower getting the NRC permit is real progress though. First non light water reactor approval in 40 years is not nothing.

solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 pts

SK wants to bundle SMRs with LNG and ESS as an integrated energy solution for data centers. That sounds like a hedge more than a clean energy play. If the SMR works you do not need the LNG backup. If it does not work the LNG is just a gas plant with extra steps.