KAERI, SCK∙CEN Signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Technology Cooperation

- Research reactor fuel, decontamination, and dismantling technology of nuclear facilities, nuclear education, and training -

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK∙CEN) on enhancing nuclear technology cooperation at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul on June 15th. The Memorandum was signed during the visit to the Republic of Korea of a delegation of atomic energy experts during June 10-17 including Derrick Gosselin, Chairman of the SCK∙CEN board, who was part of the Economic Delegation led by Princess Astrid of Belgium.

Princess Astrid of Belgium, Minister Choi Yang-hee of the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MISP), and nuclear experts of both countries attended this ceremony, and Dr. Ha Jae-joo, the president of KAERI signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Dr. Eric van Walle, SCK∙ CEN. The two organizations agreed to promote cooperation in the fields of research reactor fuel technology, decontamination and decommissioning of nuclear facilities, nuclear application technology, and nuclear education and training.

KAERI, in particular, made presentations on its major technologies on research reactors, radioisotope utilization, the SMART technology for small reactors, and the advanced nuclear system of Korea. Both sides shared the status of nuclear technology development and discussed cooperation measures.

On the next day, June 16, a delegation of atomic energy experts, including Eric van Walle, Director-General of SCK∙CEN, and relevant experts visited the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute to view its research facilities and discuss technical cooperation between the two organizations.

Founded in 1952, SCK∙CEN has a 65 years history of and is conducting research in a variety of fields, including research reactors, nuclear safety and protection, radiation research, and the decontamination of nuclear facilities.

The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding on nuclear energy research and development cooperation in 2008 and are expected to actively cooperate in various fields in the future through the amendment of this MOU.