NUCLEAR EDUCATION IN RUSSIA
2026-04-01 04:07

Russian delegation discussed outlook for conducting experiments at MBIR reactor with Chinese partners

During a working visit to the People's Republic of China, a delegation from Consortium Leader of MBIR Reactor International Research Center LLC held a series of meetings with the leadership of the country's leading scientific and industrial organizations. During the visit to China, discussions were held with key industry institutes and corporations, including the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE), China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA), China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation (CNEIC), China Nuclear Power Research Institute (CNPRI), Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), Huaneng Nuclear Energy Institute (HNEI), and Shanghai ZDAN International Co. The delegation visited key research facilities of their Chinese partners: the CEFR experimental fast-neutron reactor, as well as the ASIPP institute complex, including the operating EAST tokamak, the Burning Plasma (BEST tokamak under construction, and the institute's laboratories.

The meeting participants discussed the possibility of Chinese scientists conducting reactor tests using the Multipurpose Fast-Neutron Research Reactor MBIR. Particular attention was paid to the MBIR's unique technical characteristics and experimental capabilities which enable research in promising areas of nuclear energy. This includes testing of materials and fuel compositions for fast reactors and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), as well as the development of the materials for controlled thermonuclear fusion. The high neutron flux density and the ability to accommodate test loops with various coolants make MBIR a platform for developing IV Generation technologies and material science in the area of thermonuclear fusion.
"We see great potential in collaborating with our Chinese partners in next-generation nuclear energy and closed nuclear fuel cycle. The International Research Center, based on MBIR reactor, is a unique platform for open dialogue and effective communication between scientists, engineers, and specialists, who have joined efforts to achieve these goals," emphasized Vasily Konstantinov, CEO of IRC MBIR LLC.
Guo Limin, Secretary General of the China Nuclear Energy Association, consisting of 477 member organizations, noted China's significant achievements in developing nuclear energy, emphasizing its role in economic development and technological innovation, and reaffirming its commitment to expanding cooperation with Russian partners in the development of fast reactor technologies.

The key role of the Russian-Chinese cooperation is also reflected in the Information Center of the ASIPP which has achieved significant progress in harnessing nuclear fusion energy.

The parties noted mutual interest in deepening cooperation within the IRC MBIR Advisory Board, developing test programs, and the participation of interested Chinese organizations in the long-term research program within the IRC MBIR Consortium.

The meetings were held with the support of Rosatom East Asia.

The dialog with Chinese community continued with a meeting with Gan Yong, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, held in Moscow on March 31. The Russian party presented the capabilities of the International Research Center MBIR, emphasizing the facility's potential for accelerating China's nuclear energy development programs, including testing of materials and fuel compositions for advanced reactor technologies.
"MBIR reactor has unique characteristics that are of great interest for Chinese nuclear research institutions. We assume developing cooperation with the International Research Center MBIR as an important platform for advancing the partnership between Russia and China in cutting-edge science and technology," noted Chinese Embassy Counselor Gan Yong.

Reference

MBIR is a multipurpose fast-neutron research reactor with sodium coolant and the thermal capacity of approximately 150 MW. The reactor is under construction in Dimitrovgrad at the site of the State Scientific Center - Research Institute for Atomic Reactors (RIAR JSC, a part of the R&D division of Rosatom State Corporation) within the framework of the national technological leadership project "New Nuclear and Energy Technologies". Currently, work is underway on installing the equipment of the reactor's primary circuit: in 2025, the cold filter-traps of the emergency heat removal system loop were installed in their design positions. As part of the primary circuit installation, adapters of hot pipelines have been welded to the reactor vessel and the first pipeline blocks; the installation of the main process equipment in the sodium storage building has been completed; a fuel handling mechanism and steam-water washing sockets for spent fuel assemblies (FA) have also been delivered. In 2026, two emergency heat exchangers weighing 7.3 tons, 5 meters high, and 1.5 meters in diameter have been installed in their design positions.

MBIR is intended for performance of reactor tests, production of radioisotopes, production of modified materials, as well as testing of new type equipment and systems. The unique capabilities of the new reactor are expected to accelerate development of solutions for the two-component nuclear power and the closed nuclear fuel cycle, as well as design of safe Generation IV nuclear power systems.

The International Research Center (IRC) in the form of an international consortium is established on the basis of MBIR reactor. The Consortium participants gain ‘fast track’ access to carry out the experiments needed for national programs of nuclear energy peaceful applications. The Consortium format allows for flexible use of the reactor resource for the demands of the scientific community. IRC MBIR Consortium is open to new members. The Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, the Nuclear Physics Institute at the Academy of Science of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Shanghai ZDAN International, a Chinese company, have already joint the Consortium as the main participants.