South Korea will sharply increase 2027 energy-technology R&D spending,
prioritizing nuclear to ensure power for AI data centers, the Ministry of
Science and ICT said. The ministry’s 2027 energy-technology R&D budget is 733.6
bln won, up 48% YoY. Under the government proposal, nuclear R&D rises to a
record 386.4 bln won, +16.6% YoY. Small modular reactor (SMR) research, one of
Seven seed projects, jumps 55.7% to 127.5 bln won and is the main growth driver.
Nuclear fusion R&D more than doubles to 284 bln won. Renewables R&D increases
64% to 21.5 bln won.
