https://kaeri.re.kr/menu?menuId=MENU00718 KAERI News 게시판 rss 정보 2026-03-11 17:53:35.0 12862 11557 BOARD00315 MENU00718 관리자 https://kaeri.re.kr/onpenRequestBorad?appId=1&linkId=12862&menuId=MENU00718 On March 11, 2026, a delegation from the Finance Committee of the Parliament of Finland visited KAERI.  The visit was arranged for Finland to learn about the current status of Korea’s nuclear R&D and to explore possible areas for future cooperation. The Finance Committee plays a key role in the Finnish Parliament, overseeing national budget planning and allocation, and discussing issues such as investments in Finland’s energy system and related tax policies. During the meeting, the two sides discussed potential cooperation in various areas, including advanced reactors, nuclear energy policies, and spent nuclear fuel management. The Finnish delegation introduced the current status of nuclear power in Finland and the progress of the Onkalo repository for spent nuclear fuel, as well as government policies for carbon neutrality and plans to introduce SMRs for district heating. KAERI also presented the current status and future plans of Korea’s nuclear R&D, including reactor types under development such as SMART100, SFR (Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor), MSR (Molten Salt Reactor), and HTGR (High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor). President Han Gyu Joo welcomed Finland’s active use of large-scale nuclear power and spent nuclear fuel management. He emphasized that nuclear energy will be an essential energy source in the future, not only for electricity generation but also for heat production and other applications. He also expressed hope that nuclear power will continue to develop in Finland to support carbon neutrality and that cooperation in nuclear R&D between the two countries will expand in the future. The Head of the Delegation Saara Hyrkkö thanked KAERI for the detailed introduction to Korea’s nuclear sector. The delegation noted that nuclear energy is becoming increasingly important and expressed expectations that bilateral cooperation between Finland and Korea in the nuclear field, including SMR development, will continue to expand. https://kaeri.re.kr/fileDownload?titleId=11557&fileId=1 2026-01-20 15:21:58.0 12809 11502 BOARD00315 MENU00718 관리자 https://kaeri.re.kr/onpenRequestBorad?appId=1&linkId=12809&menuId=MENU00718 The Swedish delegation led by Ms. Anna Maja Lundbäck, State Secretary for the Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, visited KAERI on January 20, 2026 to explore opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear technology.  During the visit, KAERI presented its on-going R&D activities, with a special focus on various advanced reactor technologies such as SMART-100, i-SMR, HECTAR, SALUS and MARINA which drew strong interest from the Swedish delegation. Following the meeting, the Swedish delegation conducted a technical tour of HANARO research reactor and the STELLA-2 facility.  The two sides exchanged views on current status of nuclear technological developments. The discussion highlighted shared interest in advanced reactor technologies, including Gen-IV reactors and small modular reactor(SMR) as well as high-level radioactive waste disposal.  In introducing the on-going cooperation between KAERI and Sweden’s SKB(Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co.) in the area of spent fuel disposal, the KAERI President, Dr. Han Gyu Joo, highly commended Sweden’s exemplary management of radioactive waste and spent fuel. The Swedish delegation noted that Sweden has a very long history of nuclear energy utilization, including the world’s first reactor designed for both electricity and district heating, and emphasized that nuclear energy remains key option for baseload power in Sweden. The Swedish State Secretary also underscored that deep geological disposal of spent fuel is a globally recognized standard.  Both sides expressed their strong commitment to continuing close cooperation to advance nuclear technology in support of carbon neutrality. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to explore complementary cooperation in the nuclear field based on their respective strengths.  https://kaeri.re.kr/fileDownload?titleId=11502&fileId=1 2026-01-12 18:03:15.0 12806 11499 BOARD00315 MENU00718 관리자 https://kaeri.re.kr/onpenRequestBorad?appId=1&linkId=12806&menuId=MENU00718 Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) welcomed a high-level delegation from Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) on January 12, marking an important step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in advanced nuclear science and technology between the Republic of Korea and the United States. The ANL delegation was led by Dr. Kirsten Laurin-Kovitz, Associate Laboratory Director, and Dr. Temitope Taiwo, Director of the Nuclear Science and Engineering Division, and was accompanied by Ms. Jenifer Wolin, Energy Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Korea. The visit commenced with a courtesy meeting with KAERI President Dr. Han Gyu Joo, attended by Executive Vice President Dr. Incheol Lim and Senior Vice President Dr. Chae Young Lim. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on strategic priorities in nuclear research and discussed pathways for expanding institutional collaboration across advanced reactor technologies, fuel cycle research, and nuclear infrastructure. The program continued with an overview session on KAERI’s major research activities, followed by discussions to explore potential areas for collaboration between the two institutions. Senior management presented KAERI’s flagship R&D programs, including developing advanced reactor systems, as well as research on back-end fuel cycle technologies, nuclear safety, and the utilization of large-scale research infrastructures such as the HANARO research reactor, accelerator facilities, and quantum science platforms. In the afternoon, the delegation toured key KAERI research facilities, including the HANARO research reactor, fuel fabrication facilities, ATLAS, PRIDE pyroprocessing facilities, and STELLA-2. These site visits enabled detailed exchanges on ongoing research progress and identified potential areas for future joint research and technical collaboration. Through this visit, KAERI and Argonne National Laboratory reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies and strengthening long-term partnerships between leading research institutions in Korea and the United States. https://kaeri.re.kr/fileDownload?titleId=11499&fileId=1 2025-11-11 17:12:53.0 12736 11429 BOARD00315 MENU00718 관리자 https://kaeri.re.kr/onpenRequestBorad?appId=1&linkId=12736&menuId=MENU00718 On November 11, 2025, a delegation from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Singapore, led by Permanent Secretary Augustin Lee, visited Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). The visit was organized as part of Singapore’s ongoing consideration of introducing nuclear energy. The delegation sought to learn about Korea’s current nuclear R&D activities and to explore potential areas for future cooperation. During the meeting, both sides discussed possibilities for collaboration in various fields, including nuclear safety, advanced reactors, and human resource development. The Singaporean delegation shared the country’s current stance on nuclear energy introduction, as well as its government policy direction and plans for SMR (Small Modular Reactor) adoption. KAERI introduced Korea’s ongoing nuclear R&D programs, including development of SMART100, SFR (Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor), MSR (Molten Salt Reactor), and HTGR (High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor), along with an overview of Korea’s nuclear technology progress. KAERI President Dr. Han Gyu Joo welcomed Singapore’s interest in nuclear energy, emphasizing that nuclear power is not only essential for electricity generation but also a key energy source for various future industries. He expressed his hope that nuclear power will be included in Singapore’s energy mix and reaffirmed KAERI’s willingness to pursue cooperation in R&D and related areas. Permanent Secretary Mr. Augustin Lee expressed his gratitude for KAERI’s detailed introduction to Korea’s nuclear programs. He noted that Singapore fully recognizes the importance of nuclear energy and stated that if Singapore proceeds with the introduction of nuclear power, collaboration with Korea would be indispensable. He also expressed his hope to expand bilateral cooperation with Korea in the nuclear sector in the future. https://kaeri.re.kr/fileDownload?titleId=11429&fileId=1 2025-10-27 15:30:28.0 12719 11412 BOARD00315 MENU00718 관리자 https://kaeri.re.kr/onpenRequestBorad?appId=1&linkId=12719&menuId=MENU00718 On October 27, 2025, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and the University of Missouri signed a General Agreement to enhance mutual cooperation in nuclear R&D in Daejeon, KAERI headquarters. The University of Missouri delegation, led by President Mun Y. Choi, included Jonathan Patterson, Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, and Todd Graves, Chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. The delegation visited KAERI for the signing ceremony.  The First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), Mr. Hyuk Chae Koo, also attended to celebrate the signing. In April 2025, the KAERI Consortium entered into a contract with the University of Missouri to conduct Design Studies for the NextGen MURR (Missouri University Research Reactor). Building upon that partnership, this new General Agreement marks a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between the two institutions. Through this agreement, KAERI and the University of Missouri have established a framework for joint research and personnel exchanges across six key areas, including technology development for nuclear reactors, instrumentation for advanced nuclear reactors, radioisotope applications, neutron beam utilization, materials research, and advanced computing R&D. The two organizations plan to expand practical cooperation by leveraging their respective expertise, research reactor design and operation experience, and infrastructure. Mr. Hyuk Chae Koo, First Vice Minister of MSIT, emphasized that this agreement represents “a major turning point that elevates Korea–U.S. nuclear research and development to a new, future-oriented phase.” He added that he looks forward to both countries achieving “joint innovation in science and technology and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.” Dr. Han Gyu Joo, President of KAERI, stated that the visit by the University of Missouri delegation “goes beyond a simple visiting exchange,” describing it as “a foundation for sustainable technological cooperation based on the existing collaboration between two institutions.” He added that KAERI will “continue to strengthen collaboration in the research reactor field and broaden the scope of Korea–U.S. cooperation in nuclear R&D based on mutual trust.” Dr. Mun Y. Choi, President of the University of Missouri, praised KAERI as “an institution with world-class capabilities in research reactor design and research.” He expressed excitement that “through the signing of this General Agreement, the two institutions will expand cooperation in future nuclear technologies that will benefit humankind not only in Korea and the United States but across the world.” Following the signing ceremony, the University of Missouri delegation visited KAERI’s key facilities, including the HANARO (High-flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor), the Cold Neutron Research Facility, the Research Reactor Fuel Fabrication Facility, STELLA-2 (Large-Scale Sodium Integral Effect Test Facility), where they experienced KAERI’s technological excellence firsthand. The delegation also visited the construction site of the KJRR (Kijang Research Reactor), which is currently being built in Busan. https://kaeri.re.kr/fileDownload?titleId=11412&fileId=1 2025-10-22 17:26:46.0 12705 11398 BOARD00315 MENU00718 관리자 https://kaeri.re.kr/onpenRequestBorad?appId=1&linkId=12705&menuId=MENU00718 Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is taking a historic step in global nuclear innovation. The institute’s SMART100 small modular reactor (SMR) design is set to become the world’s first SMR to formally submit a Safeguards Technical Report (STR) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This milestone represents a major advance in ensuring that future SMRs incorporate international nuclear safeguards from the earliest stages of design, in line with the IAEA’s Safeguards by Design (SBD) concept. By preparing the STR, KAERI supports global efforts to integrate safeguards alongside safety and security in next-generation reactor development. The achievement highlights Korea’s commitment to transparency and non-proliferation, strengthening international confidence in advanced nuclear technologies. The First SMR in Safeguards Design The SMART100 initiative reflects a new stage in integrating safeguards into reactor design. Working with the IAEA and several Member States through the Member State Support Programme (MSSP), KAERI has helped advance the SBD approach, which brings safeguards into balance with safety, security, and economic factors. To develop innovative and effective safeguards concepts for emerging SMR types, the MSSP task on safeguards by design for SMRs was launched in 2018. Among the 24 Member States providing extrabudgetary contributions to the IAEA through the MSSP, 10 are supporting the Agency in addressing various SMR designs — including land-based and marine-based integral pressurised water reactors, molten salt reactors, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, lead-cooled fast reactors, and microreactors — within this framework. Through the SMART100 project, KAERI is at the forefront of this global effort. Following standard design approval in 2024 for its advanced safety design and improved economics, SMART100 is now also leading in safeguards. The STR submission scheduled for later this year is expected to be the first known such case among SMRs currently under development worldwide.         Excellence in Safety and Performance SMART100 is a next-generation version of the proven SMART design — the world’s first SMR to receive standard design approval in mid-2012 — offering improved performance and safety. Along with these safety enhancements, the upgraded system increases thermal output from 330 MWt to 365 MWt and electrical output from 100 MWe to 110 MWe, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining a compact design. Its fully passive safety system enables reactor cooling without external power, using natural forces such as gravity and fluid density differences to ensure safe shutdown and stable cooling during emergencies. SMART100 is designed for a 60-year lifetime and a three-year refuelling cycle, ensuring long-term operational efficiency. In addition to electricity generation, it can also be used for thermal applications such as seawater desalination, providing a flexible, low-carbon energy solution for diverse environments. These advancements demonstrate KAERI’s leadership in aligning enhanced safety, economic performance, and environmental sustainability with international standards in SMR technology. Global Leadership and Expanding Trust SMART100 demonstrates the feasibility of aligning advanced nuclear design with international standards for safety, security, and non-proliferation — key elements for the global expansion of SMR deployment. As the first SMR expected to achieve both safety and safeguards recognition at the international level, SMART100 is regarded as a reference model for future SMR projects worldwide. The IAEA has begun its internal process to review the STR submitted by the Republic of Korea, marking the first task output of its kind under the SBD for SMRs initiative. This review will ensure that the SMART100 design can be efficiently safeguarded once deployed, including provisions for nuclear material accountancy, inspection access, and design information verification. This proactive approach is expected to reduce regulatory uncertainty and streamline deployment timelines for SMART100, while strengthening global confidence in non-proliferation. Following its 2024 standard design approval, SMART100 is now under active consideration for international deployment, particularly in countries seeking low-carbon, flexible, and off-grid energy solutions. Through these achievements, KAERI demonstrates its commitment to responsible nuclear development and to advancing safe, transparent, and sustainable nuclear technology worldwide. https://kaeri.re.kr/fileDownload?titleId=11398&fileId=1 2025-08-18 18:09:06.0 12610 11303 BOARD00315 MENU00718 관리자 https://kaeri.re.kr/onpenRequestBorad?appId=1&linkId=12610&menuId=MENU00718 On August 18, a four-member delegation from Zimbabwe, including the CEO of CEIRD, visited KAERI as part of a technical tour of Korea’s nuclear research infrastructure. The delegation visited major research facilities such as HANARO (High-flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor) and SMART-ITL (SMART-Integral Test Loop), gaining an overview of Korea’s nuclear research capabilities and infrastructure. KAERI continues to foster international engagement by opening its facilities to global partners and promoting scientific exchange. https://kaeri.re.kr/fileDownload?titleId=11303&fileId=1 2025-07-15 18:47:51.0 12560 11251 BOARD00315 MENU00718 관리자 https://kaeri.re.kr/onpenRequestBorad?appId=1&linkId=12560&menuId=MENU00718 On July 15, a delegation from the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE), led by Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, visited Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. The visit was part of the Philippines’ broader efforts to reintroduce nuclear power into its national energy mix, targeting operational deployment in the 2030s.  During the visit, the delegation held a meeting with KAERI President Dr. Han Gyu Joo and received an in-depth presentation on KAERI’s research programs and its ongoing advancements in nuclear technologies. The visit also included a tour of SMART-ITL (SMART-Integral Test Loop), where the delegation gained firsthand insights into KAERI’s work on the SMART SMR. Undersecretary Bacordo emphasized that the Philippine government is actively considering nuclear energy as a strategic solution to enhance national energy security and ensure a stable power supply. He expressed strong interest in deepening cooperation with Korea in the nuclear sector. President Dr. Joo shared this perspective, stating that nuclear power must be part of the energy mix to achieve carbon neutrality, and reaffirmed KAERI’s commitment to fostering practical cooperation in nuclear R&D between the Philippines and Korea. https://kaeri.re.kr/fileDownload?titleId=11251&fileId=1 2025-06-16 17:57:36.0 12515 11204 BOARD00315 MENU00718 관리자 https://kaeri.re.kr/onpenRequestBorad?appId=1&linkId=12515&menuId=MENU00718 Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) had the honor of welcoming H.E. Ivan Jančárek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Korea, for an official visit focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in nuclear science and technology. This visit is especially meaningful as 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Czech Republic. Ambassador Jančárek’s visit signifies a shared commitment to expanding strategic collaboration in the nuclear sector, particularly following the Czech Republic’s finalized contract for the construction of Dukovany Units 5 and 6. During his visit, Ambassador Jančárek engaged in high-level discussions with KAERI President and senior leadership. The meeting focused on moving beyond a traditional supplier-client framework toward deeper cooperation in future-oriented technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), advanced nuclear fuel, radioactive waste management, and radiological applications. Following the meeting, the Ambassador was given a technical tour of KAERI’s cutting-edge research infrastructure. The first stop was HANARO (High-flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor), a world-class multi-purpose research reactor utilized for materials testing, radioisotope production, and neutron science. The ambassador then visited ATLAS (Advanced Thermal-Hydraulic Test Loop for Accident Simulation), an integral facility designed to verify the safety performance of nuclear systems under severe accident scenarios. The tour concluded at SMART-ITL (SMART-Integral Test Loop), which simulates the thermal-hydraulic behavior of Small Modular Reactors, a promising next-generation reactor design developed by KAERI. KAERI President emphasized the significance of the ambassador’s visit as a timely step to bolster strategic R&D collaboration and promote mutual growth in the global nuclear energy landscape. They also discussed ways to expand comprehensive cooperation between nuclear R&D institutions of both countries. Today’s dialogue is expected to lay a solid foundation for a more robust Korea–Czech nuclear partnership in the years ahead.  https://kaeri.re.kr/fileDownload?titleId=11204&fileId=1