Hyundai E&C announced on the 15th that it signed a business agreement with Seoul National University on the 14th for 'superconductor-based nuclear fusion reactor technology development and business cooperation.'
The signing ceremony took place at Seoul National University's Gwanak campus, attended by key figures including Lee Han-woo, CEO of Hyundai E&C, and Yoo Hong-rim, president of Seoul National University.
Nuclear fusion power generation is a technology that produces energy by heating fuels such as hydrogen to over 100 million degrees Celsius in a plasma state, causing atomic nuclei to fuse. It is characterized by an abundance of raw materials, low explosion risks, and minimal emissions of exhaust gases and radioactive waste.
The key to the nuclear fusion process is maintaining the ultra-hot plasma stably for a long time. The powerful magnetic field of superconducting magnets plays a role in trapping the ultra-hot plasma.
To create superconducting magnets, superconductors, which are special materials that exhibit '0' (Zero) electrical resistance under specific conditions, are essential. Given their immense potential as next-generation energy sources, major global institutions and corporations are engaged in large-scale projects to tackle high-level technological challenges and invest in research and development.
Seoul National University is developing core technologies that can miniaturize nuclear fusion systems, including uninsulated high-temperature superconductors. By participating in the world's first commercial nuclear fusion power project, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), organized by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), it is taking the lead in advancing nuclear fusion technology through concentrated research.
With this agreement, Hyundai E&C and Seoul National University plan to collaborate on ▲joint research and technology development and transfer ▲business development and participation ▲human resources support and operation of mutual consultative bodies regarding domestic and international superconductor-based nuclear fusion reactors and superconductors for fusion applications.
Drawing on its experience in various plant projects, including large-scale nuclear power plants and small modular reactors, Hyundai E&C will play a leading role in the construction and commercialization of nuclear fusion power plants. Seoul National University will focus on research into core technologies in the fields of nuclear fusion and superconductors.
Lee Han-woo, CEO of Hyundai E&C, noted, 'The collaboration among representative institutions from industry and academia will drive new momentum for future energy transitions,' adding, 'This agreement will serve as a significant opportunity for nuclear fusion power to move from the laboratory to the construction of demonstration and commercial reactors, creating real value.'
Yoo Hong-rim, president of Seoul National University, said, 'This agreement will become an important milestone in the history of domestic superconductivity research,' adding, 'I hope that through collaboration between the two institutions, our country can secure leading technology and contribute to strengthening national competitiveness.'