The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NNC RK) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on June 3 to implement the EAGLE-4 joint research program, which focuses on severe accident mitigation measures for a fast reactor demonstration reactor. The signing ceremony was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and was attended by NNC RK Director General BATYRBEKOV Erlan and JAEA President OGUCHI Masanori.

The collaboration aims to advance experimental research to enhance the safety of fast reactors, one of the next-generation advanced reactor technologies currently under development.

JAEA and NNC RK have been working together for more than two decades on the EAGLE program, which began in the early 2000s. Under the first three phases of the program (EAGLE-1 through EAGLE-3), experiments conducted using NNC RK's IGR research reactor, a graphite-moderated pulse reactor, demonstrated that molten fuel generated during a severe accident could be rapidly discharged from the reactor core, helping to prevent further accident progression.

The experiments simulate severe accident conditions by using neutron irradiation from the IGR reactor core to melt test fuel. Researchers then observe the movement of the molten fuel through designated discharge pathways and out of the core, allowing them to verify the effectiveness of the reactor's safety features.

Under the newly signed MOU, the two organizations agreed to launch the fourth phase of the program, EAGLE-4, building on the results of the previous projects. The partners intend to further strengthen their cooperation to steadily advance core safety research supporting the future deployment of fast reactor technology.

EAGLE-4 will utilize the IGR reactor and related facilities to conduct safety tests for a fast reactor. The program aims to obtain experimental data and technical knowledge to support the effectiveness of a molten fuel discharge mechanism, a safety feature being considered for incorporation into future demonstration reactors.

The two organizations plan to conclude a separate implementation agreement specifying the details of the research program and to move forward with full-scale joint research activities.