Korea’s growing need for a stable supply of enriched uranium
By Youho Lee [Associate Professor, Department of Nuclear Engineering, Seoul National University]
▶ The rising costs of enriched uranium and the associated instability in fuel supply following the Russia-Ukraine war highlight the urgency for Republic of Korea (ROK) to enhance its capability to secure a reliable supply of enriched uranium.
▶ The ROK’s ongoing development of LEU+ fueled Light Water Reactors (LWRs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with 5–10% enrichment, as well as HALEU fueled advanced reactors with 10–20% enrichment, underscores the critical need for a reliable supply of fuel with non-conventional enrichment levels.
▶ ROK must adopt a proactive approach to secure enriched uranium supplies for its growing nuclear industry and advanced reactor programs. Strengthening ROK-U.S. cooperation in civil nuclear energy will be pivotal for ensuring reliable fuel supplies and achieving shared goals in nuclear technology development.
