South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has announced a strategic initiative to secure core superconductor technology for fusion reactors by 2035. This policy aims to position South Korea as a leader in fusion energy commercialization by focusing on high-temperature superconductors, which are essential for generating ultra-strong magnetic fields in fusion devices. The move responds to increasing global competition among private companies and research institutions in fusion superconductor development. By strengthening research and development, expanding infrastructure, and fostering international collaboration, the government seeks to build a robust foundation for future energy technologies.
The policy directly impacts research institutions, universities, and industry partners involved in advanced materials and fusion energy. Key stakeholders include the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), Korea Energy Engineering University, and international organizations such as CERN and the EU. The initiative will provide domestic testing and validation capabilities for high-performance superconductors, enhancing the reliability and competitiveness of Korean technology. Industry-academia-government collaboration will be formalized through a ‘One-Team’ system, ensuring that research outcomes translate into industrial applications and technological self-reliance.
Implementation began in early 2024, with the construction of a 16-tesla superconductor testing facility at Korea Energy Engineering University, scheduled for completion by June. Strategic partnerships are being established, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between KFE and CERN for joint research on superconducting wire production. Collaborative projects with the EU on fusion blanket technology are also underway. The government plans to complete the policy framework in the first half of 2024, accelerating research and infrastructure development to meet the 2035 target for technology independence.
Frequently asked questions include: Why is superconductor technology critical for fusion reactors? Superconductors enable the creation of ultra-strong magnetic fields necessary for stable fusion reactions. What are the main actions being taken? The government is building world-class testing infrastructure, strengthening international research partnerships, and fostering industry-academia collaboration. How will this impact Korea’s energy sector? Achieving superconductor technology independence will enhance Korea’s competitiveness in next-generation energy and large-scale research facilities.
South Korea’s policy to achieve fusion superconductor technology independence by 2035 is a strategic response to global competition and the technical demands of fusion energy. The government’s focus on infrastructure, international partnerships, and industry-academia collaboration is well-aligned with the complexity of superconductor development. By establishing domestic testing facilities and engaging with leading research organizations like CERN, Korea is positioning itself as a future leader in fusion energy commercialization. This initiative is likely to strengthen the nation’s technological capabilities and industrial competitiveness in the long term.