The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) delegation led by President Dr. Han Gyu Joo attended the 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held in Vienna, Austria, from September 25 to 27, 2023. 

As a Korean delegation, President Joo actively engaged in both the regular session and various side events. He also participated in bilateral meetings furthering Korea's nuclear diplomacy efforts.

In its capacity as the only comprehensive nuclear research organization in Korea, KAERI was proactive in international cooperation endeavors. On September 26, KAERI hosted, in partnership with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL), a side event titled Korea-Canada Partnership for the SMART Demonstration: Towards a low-carbon future with nuclear energy. 

KAERI and AECL cohosts the side event titled Korea-Canada Partnership for the SMART Demonstration: Towards a low-carbon future with nuclear energy on September 26, 2023, in Vienna International Centre.

The event presented close partnership between KAERI and AECL to demonstrate SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor), a small modular reactor developed by KAERI, at a site owned by AECL. Dr. Han Gyu Joo emphasized the significance of small modular reactors (SMRs) as a means to reduce carbon emissions and highlighted the collaboration between the two entities. Approximately 70 delegates from IAEA member states attended the event, displaying keen interest in status of the KAERI-AECL collaboration to realize SMR demonstration.

From the left, Dr. Tae Ho Lee, Senior Vice President of KAERI; Mr. Fred Dermarkar, President and CEO of AECL; Dr. Han Gyu Joo, President of KAERI; and Mr. Joe McBreaty, President and CEO of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. 

KAERI also solidified its cooperation with the IAEA by signing a Project Arrangement (PA). The signing ceremony took place between KAERI President, Dr. Joo, and IAEA Deputy Director General, Ms. Najat Mokhtar, in the presence of the Korea Minister of Science and ICT H.E. Jongho Lee, and the IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. 

KAERI President Joo signs the project agreement with the IAEA as Korea Minister of Science and ICT H.E. Jongho Lee (front row right) and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi (front row center) watch on.

This PA encompasses collaborative efforts on the IAEA's two of priority projects: ZODIAC, Zoonotic Diseases Integrated Action, and NUTEC Plastics, Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution. KAERI commits to contributing to the IAEA and its member states by developing and transferring technology for zoonotic disease prevention and maritime micro plastic removal in IAEA member countries through its radiation technology.

President Joo made his first attendance at the IAEA General Conference active through diverse international activities. In particular, he conducted bilateral meetings with international partners and explored future collaboration prospects.

On the 27th, President presented methods for hydrogen production using nuclear power at the IAEA's Scientific Forum, themed Nuclear Innovations for Net Zero. Using scientific evidence, Dr. Joo highlighted the cost-effectiveness of utilizing a High Temperature Gas Reactor for hydrogen production compared to renewable energy sources. 

KAERI President Joo made a presentation on Nuclear Hydrogen at the 2023 IAEA Scientific Forum on September 27, 2023, in Vienna International Centre. 

Additionally, Dr. Joo participated in the 20th-anniversary celebration of the IAEA's Asian Network for Education in Nuclear Technology (ANENT) and delivered opening remarks. During his address, the KAERI President stressed the significance of nurturing nuclear human resources and urged KAERI to continue sharing its experience and capabilities with member states in the region. Mr. Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, expressed his appreciation for KAERI's efforts and congratulated ANENT on reaching its 20th anniversary.

KAERI President Joo delivered an opening remark at the 20th anniversary of the Asia Network for Education in Nuclear Technology (ANENT) on September 27, 2023, in Vienna International Centre. 

Through its active involvement in the IAEA General Conference, KAERI, as Korea's preeminent nuclear research and development organization, aims to contribute to the IAEA's mission of promoting the peaceful uses of safe and sustainable nuclear energy. Dr. Joo underscored the IAEA's vital role in enhancing nuclear non-proliferation, security, and safety based on its expertise. Looking ahead, he stated, "In the future, KAERI will actively contribute to international joint research as well as international technology and knowledge transfer activities for member states, promoting the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy under the IAEA framework."