UNIST has signed a strategic partnership with Hyundai Heavy Industries Turbomachinery Co., Ltd. (HHI-TMC), a Duksan Group affiliate, to advance core technologies for small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthen talent development in the next-generation energy sector.
On January 28, the Department of Nuclear Engineering at UNIST and HHI-TMC formalized the collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote joint research on key SMR components and strengthen industry-oriented workforce training.
The agreement focuses on securing essential technologies in the rapidly growing SMR field and fostering specialized talent to support future clean energy industries. The partnership centers on two main areas: collaborative development of critical equipment and systematic talent cultivation.
From left are Department Head Ji Hyun Kim of Nuclear Engineering at UNIST and President Dong Soo Kim of HHI-TMC.
In technology development, the partners will work on designing and validating pumps optimized for SMR systems, including corrosion-resistant impellers for molten salt environments. As molten salt operates under high temperatures and severe corrosive conditions, advanced materials and engineering solutions are essential for commercialization. By combining HHI-TMC’s turbomachinery expertise with UNIST’s strengths in nuclear and materials engineering, the partners aim to address these technical challenges.
Talent development is another key focus. Students will participate in joint research and industry-based internships, gaining hands-on experience with real-world engineering problems. HHI-TMC employees will also be supported in pursuing master’s programs at UNIST to enhance their technical expertise while continuing their professional careers.
“This partnership marks an important step in expanding UNIST’s research into next-generation nuclear technologies,” said Ji Hyun Kim, Head of the Department of Nuclear Engineering at UNIST. “By working closely with HHI-TMC, we aim to localize core SMR components and strengthen our competitiveness in the global market.”
Through this collaboration, UNIST and HHI-TMC plan to deepen industry–academia cooperation, accelerate SMR innovation, and support the sustainable growth of Korea’s clean energy ecosystem.
