The MOU aims to accelerate research and development to support the early deployment of advanced modular reactors (AMRs) based on HTGR technology in the UK, as well as the licensing and commercial-scale production of coated particle fuel.
OGUCHI Masanori, President of JAEA, said: “Through our expertise in HTGR technology, we hope this collaboration will contribute to the early deployment of the technology and represent an important step toward achieving net-zero goals.”
JAEA has extensive experience in HTGR development through the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR), a 30-MWt research reactor that resumed operation in July 2021. The UK is advancing the development of AMRs as part of its decarbonization strategy, with HTGRs identified as one of the key technologies. JAEA and UKNNL have already collaborated in the UK government’s HTGR demonstration and fuel development programs.
Under the new agreement, JAEA aims to support the establishment and commercialization of HTGR and HTGR fuel technologies in the UK. At the same time, it seeks to position the UK as a potential fuel supply source for Japan’s planned HTGR demonstration reactor. JAEA also expects to utilize the UK’s experience in licensing activities and the social science insights gained through the deployment process to support Japan’s own HTGR demonstration reactor program.
