Bill Gates in South Korea to Advance Small Modular Reactor Cooperation
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Bill Gates visited South Korea to discuss cooperation on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with major investors and nuclear power companies.
- His company, TerraPower, is collaborating with SK and HD Hyundai on SMR development and potential projects in the US and overseas.
- Further partnerships are being explored with Doosan Enerbility and Hyundai Engineering & Construction for SMR-related business.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and founder of the U.S. Small Modular Reactor (SMR) developer TerraPower, has visited South Korea to solidify partnerships and outline concrete cooperation plans. His visit focused on discussions with key financial investors, including SK, and major players in the domestic nuclear power industry such as Doosan Enerbility and Hyundai Engineering & Construction.
During the visit, SK Innovation announced a significant step, establishing opportunities for SK and its affiliates to participate in TerraPower's SMR business development, both within the United States and in international markets. This collaboration signifies a deepening commitment from SK to the next generation of nuclear energy technology.
TerraPower is actively seeking to advance its SMR projects, and the engagement with South Korean companies is crucial for securing expertise, investment, and manufacturing capabilities. The company aims to leverage the advanced technological infrastructure and experience of South Korean firms in the nuclear sector.
Further discussions are underway with Doosan Enerbility and Hyundai Engineering & Construction to explore broader collaborations. These potential partnerships could encompass various aspects of SMR deployment, including manufacturing, construction, and project management, underscoring South Korea's growing role in the global pursuit of advanced nuclear energy solutions.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.