Korea Signs MoU to Study HTGR Use in Petrochemical Industry
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MoU signed to study HTGR deployment in petrochemicals – The Korea Chemical Industry Association and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute signed a memorandum of understanding on 6 March to cooperate on high‑temperature gas‑cooled reactors for the domestic petrochemical sector, aiming to boost competitiveness and carbon‑neutral heat supply [1].
HTGRs are Generation IV reactors offering carbon‑free high‑temperature heat – HTGRs are graphite‑moderated, helium‑cooled reactors producing 100–600 MWt, using TRISO‑coated fuel to reach outlet temperatures of 700‑1,000 °C, providing passive safety and suitability for process heat, hydrogen and electricity generation [1].
Agreement seeks practical technology ecosystem for carbon neutrality – The MoU calls for creating a cooperation framework that tailors realistic HTGR designs to Korean petrochemical firms’ needs and opens pathways for commercialising related technologies, supporting the industry’s carbon‑neutral targets [1].
Key officials attended the signing ceremony – The ceremony on 6 March featured Eom Chan‑Wang, vice chairman of the Korea Chemical Industry Association, and Lim In‑cheol, vice president of KAERI, among other senior representatives [1].
KAERI emphasizes petrochemicals as primary HTGR customers – Lim In‑cheol stated the institute will build a close network with domestic petrochemical companies and develop a practical cooperation ecosystem following the agreement [1].
Industry leaders stress need for carbon‑free heat to stay competitive – Eom Chan‑Wang highlighted regulatory pressure for carbon neutrality in industrial heat and said the MoU will help establish a technology base that domestic firms can apply to maintain global competitiveness [1].
- Lim In‑cheol, vice president of KAERI: “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, vice chairman of the Korea Chemical Industry Association: “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.”