Beijing – During a visit to the People’s Republic of China, a delegation from the Multipurpose Fast-Neutron Research Reactor (MBIR) International Research Center discussed the prospects of reactor testing with representatives from the country’s leading scientific and industrial organisations.
The organisations included the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE), China Nuclear Energy Association (CNEA), and China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation (CNEIC).
The delegation also visited key research facilities, including the CEFR experimental fast-neutron reactor and the ASIPP institute complex.
The parties noted that the reactor’s unique experimental capabilities – including a maximum neutron flux density and the ability to operate multiple loop facilities (sodium, lead, lead-bismuth, helium, molten salt) – open up broad opportunities for breakthrough research.
This includes testing structural materials and fuel compositions for fast reactors and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), as well as the development of materials for controlled thermonuclear fusion.
These characteristics make MBIR not simply a tool for advanced Generation IV reactors, but also a world‑leading scientific facility for radiation materials science in fusion energy.
“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,” noted the General Director of Consortium Leader MBIR Reactor International Research Centre LLC (a part of Rosatom Group), Vasily Konstantinov.
Secretary General of the China Nuclear Energy Association – which includes 477 member organisations – Guo Limin paid tribute to China’s major achievements in the nuclear energy sector, underscoring its role in economic growth and technological innovation.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to further expand cooperation with Russian partners when it comes to fast reactor technology.
The importance of the Russian-Chinese cooperation is also reflected in the ASIPP’s Information Center, which has achieved notable progress in harnessing nuclear fusion research.
Both sides expressed interest in further increasing collaboration within the IRC MBIR Advisory Board, developing test programmes, and enabling Chinese organisations to contribute to the long-term research agenda of the IRC MBIR Consortium.
The dialogue with the Chinese community continued during a meeting with Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Gan Yong held in Moscow on 31 March 2026.
The Russian party showcased the capabilities of the International Research Center MBIR, underlining the facility’s potential in accelerating China’s nuclear energy development programmes, which include 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,” highlighted Chinese Embassy Counselor Gan Yong.
“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.”
Rosatom is actively expanding international cooperation with foreign countries in the field of nuclear technologies.
Countries from the African continent are one example of said cooperation, with many of them considering nuclear energy a crucial part of their sovereignty and sustainability.
South Africa is among the countries represented in the MBIR International Research Centre’s Advisory Council, alongside China, Brazil, India, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and others.
MBIR itself operates under the IAEA and INPRO guidelines and is listed among BRICS research facilities (BRICS-GRAIN).
South Africa is aiming to expand the use of nuclear technologies through the development of new nuclear capacities and research infrastructure.
These programmes stand to benefit from cooperation with the MBIR Consortium.
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