On May 19, 2025, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) hosted an executive delegation from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to explore potential collaboration opportunities.

During the meeting, the two sides shared updates on their respective research and development activities and expressed a mutual understanding of the importance of strengthening technical cooperation.

The discussion covered collaboration possibilities in both the enhancement of safety for operating reactors and the development of advanced reactors. KAERI presented its current progress in sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR), molten salt reactors (MSR), and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGR), and introduced SMART-100, a light-water SMR that obtained Standard Design Approval (SDA) in September 2024. President Han Gyu Joo emphasized that SMART-100, having completed the licensing process at the design stage, is a fully deployable SMR suitable for diverse applications, including meeting power demands of digital infrastructure such as data centers.

In particular, the two sides discussed the expanding role of nuclear energy in the future energy mix. While KAERI shared the development status of advanced reactor systems applicable to digital power demands, EPRI described its ongoing collaboration with major U.S. tech companies seeking reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

Through this dialogue, KAERI and EPRI reaffirmed their recognition of the need to broaden cooperation and build on each other’s strengths for future joint efforts.