The Korea Institute of Materials Science(KIMS), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, signed a business agreement with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute(KAERI) for research on next-generation nuclear reactor materials and manufacturing on February 20th in the conference room of KIMS located in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Established in 1959, KAERI is the only comprehensive nuclear research institute in Korea. Over the past 60 years, KAERI has led nuclear technology independence and advancement by carrying out various tasks such as local production of heavy-water and light-water reactor nuclear fuel, reactor system design for the Korea Standard Nuclear Power Plant, the first domestic nuclear power plant applied to Hanul Units 3 and 4, and design and construction of HANARO, a research reactor.

The purpose of this agreement is to establish a cooperation system for the mutually owned technologies between the two organizations and secure domestic technologies for various next-generation nuclear reactor materials and manufacturing technologies, thereby contributing to the development of related industries and entry into overseas markets. Under this MOU, the two organizations will share information on cooperation in the field of next-generation nuclear reactor materials and manufacturing technologies, as well as planning and joint participation in new projects.

In particular, this agreement is significant as it actively reflects the R&D needs in related fields such as the commercialization of innovative small modular reactors and advanced nuclear power systems based on the national strategic technology R&D roadmap promoted by the government. As the two organizations establish a cooperative system, it is expected to provide practical help in various areas, including the localization of technology in the fields of next-generation nuclear reactor materials and manufacturing technology, as well as the creation of new industries and human resource development.

Dr. Han-gyu Joo, the president of KAERI said, “It is essential for nuclear materials to prove their soundness in high-temperature and radiation environments,” and added, “The research cooperation between the two organizations in the field of reactor component materials and manufacturing technology will accelerate the realization of next-generation nuclear reactors.”

Dr. Jung-hwan Lee, the president of KIMS stated, “Next-generation reactor materials and manufacturing is an important future engine for the country's industries, as it has become a key technology for the space sector in addition to nuclear power. ”He further remarked, “We will spare no effort in providing support so that the two organizations can cooperate to contribute to related research as well as industrial development.”