Seoul: South Korea's nuclear watchdog has approved a plan to extend the lifespan of the Kori-2 nuclear reactor by an additional 10 years. This decision reflects a shift towards a broader energy mix within the government's green energy initiatives, set against the backdrop of the artificial intelligence boom.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission's approval came two years after the Kori-2 nuclear reactor, situated on the southeastern coast of South Korea, ceased operations following 40 years of service since its inception in 1983. The commission's evaluation indicated that the Kori-2 reactor maintains adequate safety margins and satisfies safety requirements, including an environmental impact assessment.
The commission announced that the Kori-2 reactor is authorized to operate until April 8, 2033. This decision is anticipated to influence the future of nine other aging reactors, which Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP), the state-run nuclear plant operator, plans to seek life extensions for.
Kori-2 is currently South Korea's oldest active reactor, with two others, Kori-1 and Wolsong-1, having been permanently decommissioned. The commission had previously conducted two review rounds in September and October but had deferred a decision pending further deliberation.
Following the recent approval, KHNP intends to proceed with equipment upgrades to ensure the reactor's safety margins, to be followed by an on-site inspection by the watchdog. The commission chairperson, Choi Won-ho, emphasized that the on-site inspection would rigorously assess whether KHNP's equipment renovations comply with safety standards.
The administration under Lee Jae Myung has been advocating for an expansion in the use of renewable energy. However, industry representatives have expressed concerns about potential power shortages amidst the AI surge. Experts suggest that the continued operation of the Kori-2 reactor will secure a stable electricity supply for South Korea.
Choi Sung-min, a nuclear energy professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), expressed support for the decision, highlighting nuclear energy as the most economical carbon-free energy source. He noted that the reactor's continued operation would bolster South Korea's economy, industrial competitiveness, and help achieve the nationally determined contribution (NDC) target for carbon emission reductions.
On Tuesday, the government sanctioned a plan to cut the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 53 to 61 percent from 2018 levels by 2035.