On August 11, 2026, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) welcomed a delegation from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM), led by Director General Michael Knochenhauer, together with representatives from Korea’s Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC).

The delegation met with KAERI Acting President Dr. In-Cheol Lim and directors responsible for advanced reactor technologies and international cooperation. During the meeting, KAERI introduced its major R&D activities and advanced reactor development portfolio, including light-water and non-light-water small modular reactors (SMRs).

In particular, KAERI presented its ongoing development of sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) and high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies. The Swedish delegation showed interest in various aspects of advanced reactor development, including safety, industry participation, load-following capabilities, and the potential to reduce spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for KAERI and SSM to exchange perspectives on regulatory harmonization and the evolving regulatory environment for advanced reactors. Both sides recognized the importance of early dialogue between technology developers and regulators as innovative reactor concepts move toward demonstration and deployment.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited STELLA-2, KAERI’s experimental facility for validating the safety performance of sodium-cooled fast reactors, where KAERI experts introduced ongoing research and safety verification activities.

KAERI and its Swedish counterparts also discussed opportunities for continued technical exchange and cooperation, particularly in advanced reactor technologies and radioactive waste management and disposal.