Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (“KAERI”) and the Government of Alberta (“Alberta”) agreed on a comprehensive cooperation framework to jointly explore viability of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies as a means to meet the net-zero target for the Alberta industries. On 19 April 2023 Dr. Joo Han-Gyu, the President of KAERI, the Honourable Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development and the Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bolster collaboration on the deployment of SMR technology, including the System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor (“SMART”), in the Province of Alberta.

As Canada’s biggest energy producing province, Alberta has been the forefront of the country’s transition into a clean energy economy, actively pursuing carbon reduction technologies, such as hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and SMRs. Since Alberta took an ambitious initiative of deploying SMR technology along with other Canadian provinces, KAERI and Alberta have discussed clean energy cooperation based on KAERI’s SMR technology, particularly SMART. Boasted as the most proven and readiest SMR technology, SMART has been explored by private sectors as one of the most competitive clean technology for the Alberta energy industry. Against this backdrop there have been growing technical discussions between private sectors, and high-level exchanges, including the visit of Minister Brian Jean and Minister Rajan Sawhney to Korea last February, led to the MOU between the two parties. 

At the signing ceremony Dr. Joo highlighted “it is time to translate the net-zero emission commitment into actions, and SMR technology is crucial in carbon reduction actions. A deployment of SMART in Alberta will be the pioneer in the battle against climate change.” Minister Jean stressed “Alberta is a global leader in providing safe, clean and reliable energy that helps power the world. The Government of Alberta is open to exploring all technologies, including SMRs, to help energy production thrive in a low-carbon future. Through this agreement with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, we are continuing to explore deploying SMR technology and strengthening Alberta’s position as a world-leading responsible energy producer for years to come.” Minister Sawhney added “I am proud of the agreement we are making as a result of our trade mission to Korea, and am excited about the potential for SMR technologies, such as KAERI. This is yet another example of continued global interest in Alberta and the diverse opportunities that Alberta offers."

Based on the momentum created this time, the two parties will enhance cooperative activities to accelerate and support activities of private sectors in exploring a cleaner and sustainable energy future.