[Edaily Reporter KYUNG GYEYOUNG ] Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft (MS), founder of next-generation nuclear power company TerraPower, and chairman of the Gates Foundation, has visited South Korea for the first time in a year. He is scheduled to meet with political and business leaders to discuss cooperation on small modular reactors (SMRs).

Chairman Gates arrived at the Gimpo Business Aviation Center at Gimpo International Airport aboard a private jet at around 9:20 a.m. on the 13th.

Interest in this visit is high because TerraPower’s next-generation nuclear power project has entered full swing. Last March, TerraPower received its first license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to construct Unit 1 on a commercial scale. This has increased the likelihood of expanded participation by South Korean companies. The visit also coincides with the South Korean government’s efforts to accelerate the development of the SMR industry.

Chairman Gates plans to meet with key government and National Assembly officials in quick succession. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on the 14th, and it is reported that he is coordinating the details for a private meeting with National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik.

On the business front, he is scheduled to meet with Chairman Jeong Ki-sun of HD HYUNDAI(267250) on the 14th to discuss SMR cooperation. He is also expected to meet with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and other SK Group executives. SK(034730)and HD HYUNDAI are also major shareholders of TerraPower.