- Korea-led consortium wins design contract for Next Generation Missouri University Research Reactor (NextGen MURR)
- A landmark achievement: exporting reactor design to the U.S.-the country that helped launch Korea's nuclear journey 66 years ago

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Yoo Sang-im) announced on April 17 that a Korea-led consortium-comprising the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI, President Joo Han-gyu), Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd. (CEO Joo Woo-jeong), and U.S.-based MPR Associates (CEO Dennis Klein)-has signed a contract with the University of Missouri for the initial design phase of the Next Generation Missouri University Research Reactor (NextGen MURR) project. The contract was awarded through an international competitive bidding process.

The agreement marks a historic milestone, as Korea-whose nuclear program began on July 14, 1959 with the import of its first research reactor (TRIGA Mark-Ⅱ) from the United States-now exports reactor design back to the country that helped launch its nuclear development. This moment underscores Korea's emergence as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology.

The project involves the design of a new 20 MWth high-performance research reactor at the University of Missouri. The consortium, led by KAERI Vice President Lim In-cheol, was selected as the preferred negotiation partner in July 2024 and finalized the initial design contract on April 17 (Korea Standard Time). The signed contract covers the initial "Design Study Package," which includes assessments of the site, environmental impact studies, and other preparatory work required prior to the conceptual and detailed design stages.

Korea's growing footprint in the global research reactor market is built on decades of experience and innovation. MSIT and KAERI have spearheaded a number of international projects, including:
①Independent design, construction, and operation of the HANARO reactor (30 MWth) in 1995
②Implementation of digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems for a research reactor in Malaysia (2014)
③Design and construction of a 5 MWth research reactor in Jordan (2017)
④Implementation of digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems for a research reactor in Bangladesh (2024)
⑤Development and installation of a cold neutron source for the OYSTER project at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands (2024)

In addition, Korea began construction of a new 15 MWth export-oriented research reactor in 2022.

The consortium's selection and successful contract signing were driven by Korea's robust technological capabilities, long-term government investment, and close collaboration between public research institutions and private industry - notably Hyundai Engineering and MPR Associates. In particular, KAERI's proprietary high-performance research reactor fuel technology-which offers higher uranium density and enhanced resistance to nuclear proliferation-was a decisive factor in securing the project. Korea's successful track record in international projects, such as the Jordan research reactor, also provided a solid foundation for the bid.

Looking ahead, MSIT announced plans to strengthen Korea's position in the global research reactor market. With more than 70% of the world's 227 operational research reactors aged over 40 years, and demand for medical and industrial radioisotopes on the rise, the market for new reactors is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades.*
* A total of 227 research reactors are currently operating in 54 countries. With the aging of these facilities, the global market is expected to see demand for approximately 50 new reactors over the next two decades.

To this end, MSIT will implement a comprehensive strategy that includes:
Enhancing Korea's strategic approach to research reactor exports
Fostering public-private partnerships and advancing key technologies
Expanding international cooperation to create new export opportunities

Minister Yoo Sang-im stated, "This contract represents a proud moment in Korea's nuclear history. Decades after receiving support from the United States to launch our nuclear program, we are now returning that legacy by providing advanced research reactor designs to the U.S. Moving forward, the Korean government will strengthen strategic exports of research reactors and accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies-one of our national strategic assets-to lead globally and contribute to a more prosperous future for our people."

KAERI President Joo Han-gyu added, "This achievement reflects the synergy of KAERI's unparalleled reactor fuel and design technologies with the global project expertise of our private sector partners. We remain committed to transforming Korea's nuclear R&D achievements-backed by public trust-into tangible global outcomes."

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.


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