KAERI will test its experimental fuel elements in the BOR-60 fast breeder research reactor. They will be used in Korea’s Prototype Gen IV Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (PGSFR or shortly SFR) also developed by KAERI.

“The new contract is a cornerstone of scientific and technological cooperation between RIAR and KAERI and a logical continuation of the multi-year irradiation and test effort to support Korea’s SFR project,” pointed out RIAR Director Alexander Tuzov.

The sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) will be started up in 2028 to become a milestone on the way to develop Generation IV fast breeder reactors in Korea. The design of a 150 MWe SFR is founded on innovative technologies, among them metallic fuel that will improve inherent safety features of the nuclear reactor. The reactor unit is designed by KAERI, with auxiliary systems and infrastructure developed by KEPCO E&C.

“Irradiation of fuel elements in the BOR-60 research reactor is a key stage of the SFR development. KAERI expects to further expand cooperation with RIAR having tremendous expertise in irradiation tests,” said Dr. Hark Rho Kim, KAERI Senior Vice President.