Korean and British nuclear research institutes join forces to strengthen research cooperation

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Seunghan Cho = The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the UK National Nuclear Research Institute (UKNNL) announced that they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the field of private nuclear research and development at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Energy held in Songdo, Incheon on the 27th.

The two organizations agreed to cooperate in basic nuclear science, nuclear safety and environment research, nuclear reactors and reactor systems including light water small modular reactors (SMRs) and fourth generation nuclear energy systems, nuclear fuel cycle, radioactive waste management and nuclear power plant decommissioning, radiation technology, facility qualification assessment, and component testing and quality assurance.

Prior to the agreement, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Atomic Energy Research Institute, the UK Department of Energy Security and Carbon Neutrality, and UKNNL held bilateral meetings to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in the field of nuclear research and development and develop practical cooperation.

“Korea and the UK have a common task of securing a safe and sustainable energy future,” said Jeong Woo-sik, director of the Atomic Energy Research Institute. “Through cooperation, we look forward to jointly advancing nuclear innovation that contributes to the long-term energy security and decarbonization of both countries.”

Julian Antrobus, CEO of UKNNL, said, "Considering Korea's civil nuclear energy program and the Atomic Energy Research Institute's research base, this cooperation is of great value. As fourth-generation nuclear technology and advanced nuclear fuel move toward commercialization, it will serve as a solid foundation if both organizations discover areas where development can be accelerated."