The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and LG Innotek, a South Korean electronic component manufacturer, have entered into a collaborative agreement to advance thermoelectric technology for nuclear batteries utilized in space and defense applications.
Harnessing Nuclear Decay for Energy
Nuclear batteries, also referred to as radioisotope batteries, operate on the principle of converting energy released during nuclear isotope decay into electrical energy through semiconductor converters.
KAERI achieved a significant milestone in 2022 by successfully developing a nuclear battery, making South Korea the third country, after the USA and Russia, to do so. Since then, the institute has been dedicated to enhancing the performance of its batteries.
Overcoming Import Dependency for Core Components
While research on nuclear batteries as a stable energy source for space exploration is yielding results, a challenge remains: reliance on imported core components. To address this issue, the public and private sectors have joined forces.
Under a memorandum of agreement, KAERI and LG Innotek will collaborate on developing design, process, and evaluation technologies for thermoelectric elements crucial to nuclear batteries. They will also work together on the design, synthesis, and processing of thermoelectric materials, paving the way for domestic production.
Specialization and Supply Chain Development
KAERI will concentrate on developing high-power thermoelectric device technology, while LG Innotek, with its expertise in thermoelectric materials, will focus on developing high-efficiency energy conversion materials and establishing a domestic supply chain.
KAERI emphasizes the importance of reducing dependency on imported key components for future independent space exploration. The collaboration aims to secure core nuclear battery technologies early, positioning South Korea as a leader in international space development cooperation.