South Korea eyes nuclear research center in Saudi Arabia

South Korea has announced its plans to set up a joint nuclear research center for the small-medium reactor market in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement was discussed at the bilateral nuclear commission meeting held in Riyadh, Yonhap news agency reported, citing a statement from the South Korean Ministry of Science and Technology.

“Once administrative negotiations are completed, an agreement can be signed for the project,” the ministry said.

The center will enhance Saudi Arabia’s know-how in the nuclear field as well as stimulate further research and development in South Korea.

"There was broad exchange on the System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor (SMART) program, after the completion of the $130 million pre-project engineering endeavor carried out by the two sides from 2015 through 2018," the ministry added.

The two sides have agreed to move to win standard design approval for the reactor system in the future and to exchange information on the latest nuclear-related policies and programs.