As  a significant milestone for small modular reactor (SMR) development, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP)  have announced the receiving of Standard Design Approval (SDA) for the fully passive SMR, known as SMART100 (System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor 100). The approval was granted by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission of Korea on September 26, 2024.

SMART100 is an advanced version of the original SMART, which became the world’s first SMR to receive SDA in 2012. Building upon the safety, economic, and operational benefits of its predecessor, SMART100 offers enhanced power output and safety features. The upgraded model is now ready for global export, particularly to Saudi Arabia, a key partner in the development of this technology.

Enhanced Safety and Performance

SMART100’s development prioritized safety improvements, including the integration of a fully passive safety system. This system is capable of maintaining reactor cooling without the need for external power, using natural forces like gravity and fluid density differences to ensure the safe shutdown and cooling of the reactor during emergencies.

Along with these safety enhancements, SMART100 also offers increased thermal output, rising from 330 MW to 365 MW, while its electrical output has been boosted from 100 MW to 110 MW, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining a compact design.

Versatile Applications and Economic Benefits

The SMART100 reactor has been designed for versatility. In addition to electricity generation, it can be utilized for seawater desalination, district heating, and supplying process heat to industrial facilities, making it a comprehensive solution for diverse energy needs around the world.

The simplified and modular design of SMART100 also improves its economic feasibility. Key components such as the steam generator and reactor coolant pumps are integrated into a single vessel, reducing the risk of major accidents like large pipe breaks. Additionally, the reactor can maintain safe conditions without requiring emergency power generators or operator intervention during accident scenarios.

A Step Toward Global SMR Leadership

KAERI President Han Gyu Joo emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “the Standard Design Approval for SMART100 is a crucial milestone in demonstrating its proven safety and readiness for commercialization. We are committed to advancing SMART technology and ensuring its successful export to global markets.”

With this approval, South Korea gets closer to assume a leading role in the global SMR market. Notably, the collaboration with Saudi Arabia has laid the groundwork for establishing a strong foundation for future exports to other countries.