The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has said that first concrete has been poured for its Kijang Research Reactor (KJRR) at the Radiology Science Industrial Complex in Gijang-gun, Busan.

A ceremony was attended by about 150 people from construction companies Daewoo E&C, Hyundai E&C and GS E&C, as well as the construction project management team.

The new 15 MWt open-tank-in-pool type research reactor is intended to make Korea self-sufficient in key medical and industrial radioactive isotopes that are currently imported and to enable the export of those isotopes. KAERI aims to supply more than 15% of the global isotope market. The isotopes include molybdenum-99, iodine-131 mIBG, iodine-125 and iridium-192. In addition, the reactor itself will be a demonstration for the export of similar facilities.

The KRW765bn ($574m) project received a construction permit for the from the Nuclear Safety & Security Commission (NSSC) in May 2019 and a municipality building permit in November 2020. In May 2022, the foundation excavation work began, and construction began in April 2023. Completion of the facility and trial operation is scheduled to begin in 2026. KAERI expects to obtain operating permits from NSSC and begin full operation of the facility in 2027.

Image: First concrete is poured at the Radiology Science Industrial Complex for the start of construction of the Kijang Research Reactor (courtesy of KAERI)