Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute Collaborate on '4th Generation Reactor' SFR Technology

Securing Technological Capabilities of Next-Generation Reactors
Actively Promoting Entry into Overseas Markets

On the 11th, at the Hyundai Engineering & Construction headquarters in Gyedong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Yoon Young-jun, President of Hyundai Engineering & Construction (right), and Joo Han-kyu, Director of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (left), are taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement on the "Public-Private Partnership Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) Development Project." (Photo by Hyundai Engineering & Construction)

Hyundai Engineering & Construction announced on the 12th that it has signed a business agreement with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute for the development project of the 'Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR),' one of the 4th generation reactors.

Unlike pressurized water reactors that use thermal neutrons, the SFR induces nuclear fission using fast neutrons. It is a reactor that uses liquid sodium as a coolant instead of water. By recycling spent nuclear fuel, it improves uranium utilization and significantly reduces the amount of high-level radioactive waste. A Hyundai Engineering & Construction official explained, "The SFR has superior economic efficiency, sustainability, and safety compared to the currently operating 3rd generation reactors," adding, "It can be utilized in SMRs (Small Modular Reactors), the next-generation small nuclear reactors."

The signing ceremony held on the 11th at Hyundai Engineering & Construction’s headquarters located in Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, was attended by Yoon Young-jun, President of Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and Joo Han-kyu, Director of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. Through this agreement, both parties plan to cooperate on SFR-related development projects, domestic and international demonstration projects, commercialization based on export infrastructure, exclusive mutual business participation in exports, joint research and intellectual property (IP) technology transfer, manpower support, and the operation of a mutual consultative body.

Since signing a strategic business agreement in 2022, the two companies have continued their cooperation in the nuclear power industry, including pressurized water reactor-type SMRs, non-pressurized water reactor-type SMRs such as Molten Salt Reactors (MSR), nuclear power plant decommissioning, and hydrogen production using nuclear power.

A Hyundai Engineering & Construction official stated, "With the explosive growth expected in the global energy market based on next-generation reactors, comprehensive policies and support are continuing to enhance the competitiveness of K-nuclear companies," adding, "through this agreement, we will accelerate securing technological capabilities for next-generation reactors and actively promote entry into overseas markets.”

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