Korea's Smart Net Zero City: Revolutionizing Energy Production with Small Module Reactors
Key Ideas
  • Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power proposed the 'Smart Net Zero City (SSNC)' model in Busan, integrating small module reactors with smart cities to provide eco-friendly, carbon-free energy.
  • SSNC aims to reduce energy consumption costs by up to 30% compared to existing cities through the use of innovative SMRs and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
  • The project includes the construction of solar, wind, and i-SMR infrastructure over 10 years, with the ability to supply not only electricity but also process heat and hydrogen without carbon emissions, enhancing safety and efficiency.
  • Korea plans to complete the standard design license for i-SMR by 2028, with the first city implementation expected in the early 2030s, marking an entry into the global SMR market and potential export opportunities for the SSNC model.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a 'Smart Net Zero City (SSNC)' in Busan, South Korea, integrating small module reactors (SMRs) with smart city concepts to revolutionize energy production. The SSNC model aims to create synergy between smart city technologies and SMRs, meeting the increasing global demand for sustainable and carbon-neutral solutions. By combining renewable energy sources like solar and wind power with the innovative i-SMR technology, the city will receive a stable supply of eco-friendly energy. The project's timeline includes the gradual construction of solar, wind, and i-SMR infrastructure over a decade to meet the city's energy needs efficiently. One of the key advantages of SSNC is the potential to reduce energy consumption costs by up to 30% compared to traditional cities, thanks to the utilization of cost-effective i-SMR and carbon-free renewable energy sources. The i-SMR technology not only supplies electricity but also process heat and hydrogen without emitting carbon, enhancing the city's sustainability profile. The integration of essential components into a single container improves safety and allows for construction near urban centers. Moreover, the flexibility of i-SMR enables stable power system operation even during variable weather conditions, by adjusting the output in real-time and utilizing renewable energy resources effectively. South Korea is actively promoting public-private partnerships and marketing initiatives to expedite the development and licensing process for i-SMR, aiming to complete the standard design by 2028. The first SSNC implementation is anticipated in the early 2030s, paving the way for Korea's entry into the global SMR market and potential export ventures.
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