Korean partnership to consider use of HTGRs

High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) are Generation IV, graphite-moderated, helium-cooled reactors (typically 100–600+ MWt) that use TRISO-coated fuel to achieve high outlet temperatures (700°C-1,000°C). They offer enhanced safety through passive heat removal, preventing core meltdowns, and are designed for industrial process heat, hydrogen production, and electricity generation.

The Korea Chemical Industry Association and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) said they signed the MoU to "establish a foundation for mutual technological cooperation related to high-temperature gas reactors capable of supplying high-temperature process heat to strengthen the competitiveness of the chemical industry". They added: "As a carbon-free energy source, [the HTGR] is considered a key alternative for achieving carbon neutrality in the domestic petrochemical industry."

Through the MoU, the two organisations agreed to establish a practical technology cooperation ecosystem to achieve carbon neutrality by promoting realistic HTGR designs that reflect the needs of domestic petrochemical companies, and creating opportunities for commercialisation of HTGR-related technologies.

A signing ceremony for the MoU was held on 6 March and was attended by key officials from both organisations, including Eom Chan-Wang, vice chairman of the Korea Chemical Industry Association, and Lim In-cheol, vice president of KAERI.

"The petrochemical industry is a key customer for the high-temperature gas reactor that the institute is promoting," Lim In-Cheol said. "Based on this agreement, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute will build a close network with the domestic petrochemical industry and create a practical technological cooperation ecosystem."

Eom Chan-wang added: "The chemical industry is being required to achieve carbon neutrality in industrial heat energy amid global environmental regulations. Through this business agreement, we will support the establishment of a technology base that can be practically applied to domestic companies, thereby helping them secure global competitiveness."