The controversy surrounding South Korea’s nuclear deal with Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC) has taken a deeper turn. New revelations show that Korea’s flagship i-SMR (Innovative Small Modular Reactor) may also fall under the binding terms of this controversial agreement, effectively placing the nation’s most promising nuclear technology under foreign control.
i-SMR at Risk: Claimed as “Westinghouse Technology”
The i-SMR project, proudly developed as Korea’s next-generation nuclear export model, is essentially a scaled-down version of the APR1400 pressurized water reactor.
Since Westinghouse claims that the APR1400 itself is based on its original pressurized water reactor technology, it argues that the i-SMR also falls within the scope of the agreement.
Korea’s government insists that i-SMR will apply distinct technologies—such as a new nuclear fuel arrangementand boron-free cooling water—to differentiate it from the APR1400.
Yet, experts warn that Westinghouse will almost certainly use these overlaps as leverage, pushing for an interpretation that benefits its commercial interests.
The agreement explicitly states: “In the case of SMRs, marketing is permitted, but no binding purchase proposals can be made to any country until Westinghouse confirms technological independence.”
An Unfair Verification Procedure
The verification process itself is structured to Westinghouse’s advantage:
Korea may request confirmation of technology independence for a given reactor design.
Westinghouse has 90 days to respond.
If it fails to reply, a joint third-party institution is to be appointed within 60 days.
However, this third-party body is restricted to U.S.-based institutions only.
This means Korea’s claims of independence will ultimately be judged under U.S. oversight, where Westinghouse’s influence is strongest. For many in the industry, it’s an unmistakable sign that the process is rigged to favor the American company.
The Czech Nuclear Deal: The Trigger Behind the Concession
Behind Korea’s humiliating concessions lies the high-stakes Czech Dukovany nuclear project.
In July 2023, KHNP beat out Westinghouse and France’s EDF, securing priority negotiation rights.
Westinghouse quickly countered, claiming that KHNP’s export reactor APR1000 contained its proprietary technology—making the export “illegal” without its approval.
Although Seoul initially dismissed the claim, the government abruptly reversed course within six months.
By January 2024, KHNP and Westinghouse announced a settlement, effectively ending the IP dispute by conceding key rights to the American company.
Politics Over Industry: The Cost of Rushed Diplomacy
Industry insiders argue that the agreement represents one of the most unbalanced contracts in nuclear history.
Sources familiar with the deal suggest that even within KEPCO and KHNP’s boards, there were voices of dissent.
However, the presidential office in Yongsan pushed for quick resolution, prioritizing political “success stories” abroad over long-term industry strategy.
As one insider put it: “Even when experts raised objections, the contract was pushed forward at lightning speed once pressure came from the top.”
This has fueled criticism that the deal was less about securing Korea’s energy future and more about delivering short-term diplomatic achievements for the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.
Conclusion: Selling Off the Future of Korea’s SMR Industry
The i-SMR was meant to be Korea’s flagship for the $400 billion global SMR market by 2040. Instead, it now risks being shackled under Westinghouse’s “verification” stranglehold. With U.S.-biased procedures, Czech concessions, and political urgency overriding industrial strategy, the deal has left Korea’s nuclear sovereignty deeply compromised.
Rather than leading the world with independent innovation, Seoul’s rushed diplomacy may have inadvertently handed Westinghouse control over Korea’s most valuable nuclear asset of the future.
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