SEOUL, July 4 (AJU PRESS) - The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and LG Innotek have agreed to cooperate in developing thermoelectric technology for nuclear batteries used in space and defense sectors.
The partnership, signed on Wednesday, aims to strengthen development capabilities for localizing thermoelectric elements, a core component of nuclear batteries. These batteries, which generate power using the decay heat of radioisotopes, can provide stable energy even in extreme space environments without relying on external power sources.
KAERI successfully developed a nuclear battery in 2022, making Korea the third country to do so after the United States and Russia. However, the thermoelectric materials used in these batteries are currently 100 percent imported, presenting a challenge for Korea's independent space exploration capabilities.
"In the new space era, we will secure core nuclear battery technology early through active cooperation with private companies," said Jeong Young-uk, director of KAERI's Hanaro and Quantum Science Lab.
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