South Korea will begin full-fledged research into a new technology to reprocess spent nuclear fuel under a deal with the United States on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, officials here said Wednesday.
Seoul also opened the way to produce low-enriched uranium, a boost to its pursuit of a stable supply of nuclear fuel.
After nearly five years of negotiations, the two sides struck a 21-point deal that calls for bilateral cooperation based on the “principles of equality and reciprocity.” according to the foreign ministry officials.
Under the deal, the U.S. will consider actions to assist “storage, transportation and disposal” of spent fuel by South Korea, they added.
It will replace the existing nuclear accord, signed in 1974, which strictly bans Seoul from engaging in reprocessing and uranium enrichment activities.
In the agreement, South Korea has secured long-term advance consent from the U.S. for early stages in experimental reprocessing, called “Pyroprocessing,” including “Post-irradiation examination” and “Electro-reduction.”
South Korean officials characterize pyroprocessing as “recycling” spent fuel, while it has yet to be commercialized.
Pyroprocessing is said to have less chance of being converted into a program to produce nuclear weapons as it leaves separated plutonium mixed with other elements.
The agreement will allow South Korean scientists to conduct research into the untested technology at existing local facilities.
Besides, Seoul will be able to push for a low-enrichment program through consultations with Washington.
The allies have decided to establish a high-level standing commission to consult on the sensitive issue, with the U.S. represented by its deputy secretary of energy and South Korea its vice foreign minister.
“It is meaningful that we have opened the pathway for uranium enrichment, albeit not in the foreseeable future,” a senior ministry official told reporters on background. “Related criteria and procedures have been made. Industrial and technological considerations will be among key factors.”
The deal, coupled with pages of agreed minutes, stipulates that South Korea has an “inalienable right” to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
It added the Seoul-Washington nuclear partnership will be the “cornerstone” of the global nuclear nonproliferation regime.
The agreement will remain in force for 20 years with the two sides to extend it for five years if both wish to do so.
South Korean officials said their country will be able to expand its non-military nuclear program, as it tries to increase nuclear plant exports.
The foreign ministry will discuss with other related authorities to decide whether the National Assembly’s approval of the deal is required, another ministry official said. (Yonhap)
