S. Korea to begin nuclear fusion power generation tests in 2030s: science ministry

SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea seeks to begin staging nuclear fusion power generation tests in 2030 at the earliest, nearly 20 years ahead of its original schedule, the government announced Friday, amid growing energy demand stemming from an artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

The National Fusion Energy Committee announced the blueprint outlining the direction of its research in the sector, along with goals to secure eight related critical technologies, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Nuclear fusion power is considered a promising option for generating cleaner and safer energy, as it does not produce any carbon emission while also generating less radioactive waste than nuclear fission.

"Nuclear fusion technology is a key area that will lead South Korea's innovation-driven growth," Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said in a release.

"We will make efforts to conduct nuclear fusion power generation tests in the 2030s, in order to address rising electricity demand in the AI era and take the lead in the future energy industry," Bae added.

colin@yna.co.kr
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