The Korea Chemical Industry Association (KCIA) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly study the possible deployment of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) in the petrochemical industry.
The signing ceremony was attended by officials from both organisations, including KCIA Vice Chairman Eom Chan-Wang and KAERI Vice President Lim In-cheol.
Under the MOU, KCIA and KAERI will “establish a foundation for mutual technological cooperation related to high-temperature gas reactors capable of supplying high-temperature process heat to strengthen the competitiveness of the chemical industry”. The HTGR, “as a carbon-free energy source, is considered a key alternative for achieving carbon neutrality in the domestic petrochemical industry.”
Lim In-Cheol noted: “The petrochemical industry is a key customer for the high-temperature gas reactor that the institute is promoting. Based on this agreement, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute will build a close network with the domestic petrochemical industry and create a practical technological cooperation ecosystem.”
Eom Chan-wang said the chemical industry is being required to achieve carbon neutrality in industrial heat energy amid global environmental regulations. “Through this business agreement, we will support the establishment of a technology base that can be practically applied to domestic companies, thereby helping them secure global competitiveness.”
Generation IV graphite-moderated, helium-cooled HTGRs use TRISO fuel to achieve high outlet temperatures (700°C-1,000°C). They offer enhanced safety through passive heat removal, preventing core meltdowns, and are designed to produce industrial process heat, hydrogen and electricity.
