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South Korea launches construction of a new research reactor

South Korea launched construction of a 15 MWt nuclear research reactor at a ceremony in late April. This new reactor aims to enable Korea to become self-sufficient in the production of medical and industrial radioactive isotopes, while aiming to supply more than 15% of the global isotope market.

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The Korea Atomic Energy Research Center (KAERI) held a ceremony to mark the start of construction of a 15 MWt open-tank-in-pool research reactor on April 28. Approximately 150 people from Daewoo E&C, Hyundai E&C and GS E&C, as well as the construction project management team, attended the event.

The new research reactor aims to achieve self-sufficiency as well as exports of important medical and industrial radioactive isotopes that currently depend on imports. This includes molybdenum-99, iodine-131 mIBG, iodine-125 and iridium-192. KAERI said it expects to supply more than 15% of the global isotope market. In addition, the reactor will serve as a demonstration for the export of similar research reactors.

Project launched in April 2012

The project, with a total cost of 765 billion won (US$574 million), was launched in April 2012. A construction license for the reactor was granted by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) in May 2019, with selection of the construction consortium in April 2022.

Earthworks and excavation work began the following month. Completion of the facility and operational testing is scheduled to begin in 2026. KAERI said it expects to obtain operating permits from the NSSC and begin full operation of the facility in 2027.

“Getting closer to people’s health and lives.”

Speaking at the ceremony to mark the start of KJRR’s construction, KAERI President Joo Han-kyu said, “If nuclear power has been the engine of the country’s economic growth in silence, now we will get closer to people’s health and lives with radiation and isotopes.”

The construction of the new research reactor is expected to position Korea as a major player in the global medical and industrial radioactive isotope market and help strengthen its expertise in nuclear technology.

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