Romania, South Korea sign MoU on nuclear energy bilateral cooperation

Romania and South Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding on nuclear energy cooperation, which covers the improvement of nuclear equipment, safety and nuclear fuel equipment, small modular reactors (SMR), and radioactive waste management."On the occasion of the state visit to South Korea undertaken together with President of Romania Klaus Iohannis, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja had a bilateral meeting with Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun, with the sides signing a Memorandum of Understanding on nuclear energy cooperation, in the presence of the presidents of the two countries. The Memorandum provides for nuclear cooperation, including on the improvement of nuclear equipment, safety and nuclear fuel equipment, small modular reactors (SMRs), and radioactive waste management," the Energy Ministry said in a release.The two Energy ministers discussed energy policies and decided to expand cooperation for the development of the Cernavoda nuclear power plant and of the fuel supply chain.The Republic of Korea intends to strongly support the nuclear power plant industry in terms of refurbishment, nuclear fuel supply, maintenance and management services. The construction and operation of small modular reactors will ensure clean, emission-free energy, the document states."This memorandum strengthens the partnership between Romania and the Republic of Korea. Energy is the main dimension of this collaboration, through several projects such as: the refurbishment of Unit 1 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant, and the construction of Europe's first and the world's third tritium-removal facility, which will give Romania the chance to become a European center for the production and export of tritium, a candidate fuel for future nuclear fusion reactors. Through this partnership, the Korean partners offer us the experience acquired in the nuclear energy field, their seriousness and competence," Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said, as cited in the statement.The Romania - South Korea nuclear energy cooperation has developed a lot in recent years, mainly due to the Korean interest in Romania's national nuclear projects. The Republic of Korea is among the states that have expressed their interest in financing the Doicesti small modular reactor project."Through its experience and tradition, the Republic of Korea can make a significant contribution to the development of Romania's major energy projects and to the international dialogue on the topic of energy security and projects to diversify the supply of energy resources," the release of the Romanian Energy Ministry notes.