South Korea gives green light to retiring Kori-1, its initial commercial nuclear power plant.
Headline: Saying Goodbye to Kori-1: South Korea's First Nuclear Power Plant Gets the Green Light for Decommissioning
Meat & Potatoes
The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) has officially given the nod for the decommissioning plan of South Korea's first commercial nuclear power plant, the Kori-1 reactor, located in Busan. This historic decision marks the beginning of the plant's 12-year transition from operations to decommissioning, starting from June 2025 [News1].
The Kori-1 reactor's decommissioning plan involves a meticulous process, including the removal of spent nuclear fuel, clearing contaminated zones, and restoring the site to its original state after 12 years [Yonhap]. This extended timeline is due to the challenges in constructing facilities for the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel.
Key components of the decommissioning plan include:
- Removal of spent nuclear fuel, starting six years after the plan's approval.
- Clearance of contaminated zones within a decade.
- Completion of site restoration after 12 years.
- Management of the enormous amount of radioactive waste generated, with dedicated plans for each waste type.
The Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) company is in charge of the decommissioning activities, employing three specialized decommissioning units totaling 108 personnel, backed by other departments [Enrichment Data]. The projected cost for the decommissioning project is approximately 1.07 trillion Korean won (around US$788.8 million).
The advantages of decommissioning Kori-1 include:
- Improving nuclear safety by responsibly handling aging infrastructure and waste.
- Gaining valuable expertise in nuclear decommissioning that bolsters South Korea's growing nuclear industry.
- Repurposing the plant site for potential future developments or alternative uses.
- Maintaining public trust by managing the lifecycle of nuclear facilities transparently.
It's worth noting that Kori-1's decommissioning complies with the regulatory requirements set by South Korea’s Nuclear Safety Act, which mandates the application for decommissioning approval five years after a reactor’s permanent shutdown (Kori-1 went offline in 2017) [Enrichment Data].
Although Kori-1 is embracing its decommissioning phase, South Korea remains committed to its nuclear energy future, operating 20 other nuclear reactors and aiming to increase nuclear-generated electricity to approximately 34.6% by 2036, with plans for new units, small modular reactors, and nuclear export ambitions [Enrichment Data].
Further Reading
- Korean, Czech leaders call nuclear power plant deal 'cornerstone' of economic cooperation in first call
- Czech nuclear plant deal rooted in 'shared values, trust': Envoy
- From nuclear phaseout to cash handouts: A pattern of unquestioned policy
- Korea to export nuclear research reactor design to U.S.
- This international development in South Korea's nuclear industry, the decommissioning of Kori-1, intertwines closely with diplomacy, particularly in the context of South Korea's potential nuclear energy exports.
- The decommissioning process of Kori-1 reactor offers a unique opportunity for the South Korean government to showcase its expertise in technology and science, particularly in managing medical-conditions related to radioactive waste.
- The decommissioning of Kori-1 will have far-reaching implications for the country's finance and energy sectors, given the significant financial investment required and the potential impact on South Korea's energy mix.
- As opinions differ on the role of nuclear energy in the global context, the decommissioning of Kori-1 will serve as a case study, influencing future business and politics strategies involving nuclear energy.
- In the realm of media, numerous columns will be dedicated to discussing the lessons learned from Kori-1's decommissioning process and its relevance to other aging nuclear power plants worldwide.
- The decommissioning of Kori-1 serves as a testament to South Korea's commitment to balanced and responsible development in the nuclear industry, demonstrating their adherence to principles of nuclear safety and lifecycle management.
