K.A.CARE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korean Research Institute for Atomic Energy. The MOU is based on the agreements already signed between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Korea in the field of the Nuclear Energy Peaceful Uses. The recently signed MOU is centered on cooperation in research area and the required infrastructure, such as research reactors. It also involved a technical-economic study on the applications of small unit reactors. The MOU aims at the strengthening and enhancement of technical cooperation in the domain of nuclear technology peaceful uses on the basis of equality and mutual benefits.

It is worth-mentioning that the National Nuclear Laboratory as well as its Research Reactor will no doubt provide scientific and educational advantages in addition to other benefits which at the same time will boost capacity building required to uplift the Kingdom’s contribution to shouldering the liability for the spread of the nuclear energy and upholding the preparation of the international license for the operation of the commercial nuclear energy. It is also of paramount importance with respect to all nuclear energy projects, related research projects, and production of radioactive isotopes demanded for medical and industrial purposes, with much greater efficiency. Furthermore, this will surely contribute favorably to the strategy adopted and sponsored by King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy through the development of a mix of sustainable energy resources which will serve the best interests of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This of course includes, but is not limited to renewable and atomic energy. Small-unit Reactors (less than 300 mega-watt) are considered a modern technology which currently attracts a great deal of attention and development. A major feature thereof is that they are used for thermal applications, water desalination and electricity production. Furthermore, this technology provides more safety and security, compared to traditional plants. One more advantage is that they are more compacted and less costly. In addition, they provide more control over the production capacity. It is worth-mentioning also that the Korean Research Institute which was founded in 1959 was the first research institute for Science and Technology in Korea ever to be entrusted with the task of realizing of self-reliance in energy through nuclear energy. It was this Institute that achieved this tremendous task over a period of 50 years during which it has developed NSSS. Among these achievements was self-reliance in the design of this system adopting Korean standards and measurements in nuclear energy plants, localization of fuel for CANDOO reactor and pressurized water reactors, as well as building of Hanaro Research Reactor.