South Korean consortium secures first research reactor design export to U.S.

Conceptual diagram of the next-generation research reactor core assembly for the University of Missouri Courtesy of Ministry of Science and ICT — Conceptual diagram of the next-generation research reactor core assembly for the University of Missouri/ Courtesy of Ministry of Science and ICT

SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - A South Korean consortium has successfully secured a contract to export research reactor technology to the United States. A research reactor is mainly used for physics experiments, radioisotope production, and training students and engineers on how a reactor is built and operated.

South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT announced on Thursday that a consortium consisting of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Hyundai Engineering, and U.S. firm MPR has signed a contract for the initial design phase of the "Next-Generation Research Reactor Project" commissioned by the University of Missouri through an international competitive bidding process.

The project involves designing a new high-performance 20-megawatt thermal output research reactor for the University of Missouri. The initial design phase focuses on analyzing preliminary design information, including construction site conditions and environmental impact assessments, before proceeding to the conceptual design of the research reactor.

The KAERI consortium participated in the bidding for this project and was selected as the final negotiation partner in July 2024, with the contract for the first phase of the project being finalized today.

The Ministry of Science and ICT attributed the successful contract to the technological capabilities developed through investments in the research reactor field, the efforts of KAERI researchers in technology development and export, and collaboration with Hyundai Engineering, which has extensive experience in nuclear projects, and U.S.-based MPR.

This marks the first time a South Korean consortium has exported research reactor design technology to the United States, demonstrating Korea's growing prominence in the global nuclear industry and its ability to compete in high-tech nuclear exports to established nuclear powers.

Candice Kim candicekim1121@ajupress.com