KAERI Makes Korean Nuclear History by Re-exporting Research Reactor Design to U.S.

President Joo Han-gyu of Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI).

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) announced on April 17 that a consortium that includes KAERI, Hyundai Engineering Co. Ltd., and U.S. based engineering firm MPR Associates has been selected as the contractor for the design study phase of the University of Missouri's second research reactor project.

This marks Korea’s first involvement in a U.S. nuclear reactor project, which greatly enhances Korea-US nuclear cooperation.

During the design study phase, the consortium, led by Dr. Lim In-cheol, Executive Vice President of KAERI, is undertaking programming, regulatory studies and environmental services for the project.

The 20+ MW research reactor will expand the current capabilities of the existing reactor at the University of Missouri and address new innovative demands, such as cancer treatment.

For more than 30 years, KAERI has demonstrated its expertise in the field, from the independent design and operation of the HANARO research reactor in Korea to international projects such as the Jordan Research and Training Reactor, the renewal of digital systems for the Bangladesh research reactor, and the installation of cold neutron sources for the Delft reactor in the Netherlands.

Korea's nuclear research began in 1959 with the Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics (TRIGA) research reactor built with assistance of the United States.

Now, 65 years later, Korea is the most reliable supplier of advanced research reactor technology to the United States.

This achievement highlights the significant progress of Korea’s nuclear technology, particularly in the field of high-performance nuclear fuel.

High-performance nuclear fuel technology, by increasing the uranium density 10 percent higher than conventional fuel, is critical for enhancing reactor performance and reducing used nuclear fuel. Few countries possess this advanced technology.

KAERI’s president Joo Han-gyu remarked, "Securing the design study contract for the project is a new success story for KAERI. Riding on this momentum, we will strive to lead in nuclear science and applications through the development and use of research reactor and other nuclear technologies."

Officials from a consortium, led by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, including KAERI President Joo Han-gyu, and the University of Missouri pose at a ceremony to strike a contract on the initial phase of the latter's next-generation research reactor project at the school's campus in Columbia, Missouri, on April 17. (Photos: MSIT)

“This ground-breaking project will reinforce Korea's reputation as the leading player in the global nuclear market and offer a unique opportunity for the Korea-US Alliance to advance mutual benefits utilizing science and technology”, highlighted by Dr. Lim In-cheol.

“This is a historic moment for our university, our state and the future of nuclear science and medicine,” University of Missouri President Choi Mun said.

“NextGen MURR represents our commitment to research that changes lives. It will allow Mizzou to lead the nation in producing critical medical isotopes while opening new frontiers in science, engineering and patient care.”

The consortium will complete the conceptual design by the end of 2026.

The results of the initial Design Studies Phase will be integrated into the preliminary design and licensing phase under a separate contract.

Korea and United States Expand Nuclear R&D Cooperation

On April 14, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s leading research centers, to expand bilateral cooperation in nuclear research and development.

The signing ceremony took place at ANL headquarters in Illinois, where KAERI President Dr. Joo Han-gyu met with ANL Director Dr. Paul Kearns and Dr. Kirsten Laurin-Kovitz, Associate Laboratory Director for Nuclear Technologies and National Security. The meeting served as an opportunity to reaffirm the two institutes' longstanding partnership and to outline future collaborative directions in nuclear innovation.

As part of the visit, Dr. Joo delivered a special lecture to ANL researchers, introducing KAERI’s recent advancements and strategic vision in nuclear technologies. He emphasized the growing importance of Korea-U.S. nuclear cooperation in addressing global energy and climate challenges through innovation in nuclear science.

Following the ceremony, KAERI and ANL officials discussed the progress of their ongoing joint projects, including the Pro-X initiative, which focuses on enhancing nonproliferation measures in research reactors.

The two institutions also explored future areas of cooperation, including new joint research on Generation IV nuclear systems such as sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs), as well as collaboration in Virtual Reactor technology.

Argonne National Laboratory, founded in 1946, has played a central role in advancing peaceful nuclear technologies in the United States.

Today, ANL continues to lead in cutting-edge science and engineering with facilities such as the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and Aurora, one of the nation's first exascale supercomputers.

This renewed agreement is expected to serve as a milestone in enhancing the strategic partnership between Korea and the United States in the nuclear field.

KAERI expressed its commitment to building a future-oriented cooperation model that promotes safety, sustainability, and global competitiveness in nuclear technology.