Vienna: South Korea aims to apply artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the nuclear energy sector to bolster safety, while rolling out efforts to develop next-generation reactors, a senior science ministry official has said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, First Vice Science Minister Koo Hyuk-chae made the remark on Tuesday (Austrian time) during the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, noting that South Korea will pursue both innovation and safety by harnessing AI technology.

Koo added that Asia's fourth-largest economy will apply cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and robotics, to all stages of the nuclear energy industry, including planning, operation and safety management. South Korea is also in the process of establishing reasonable, science-based regulations to utilize small modular reactors, he said.

The first vice science minister called for proactive support from member countries for South Korea's hosting of an IAEA ministerial meeting in 2026. During the general conference, which runs through Friday, Koo plans to meet with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss the peaceful use of nuclear energy and ways to bolster global cooperation in the sector, the ministry added.