'Nuclear Phase-Out' Begins... KHNP Drafts Decommissioning Plan for Kori Unit 1, Holds Community Briefing

Submission of Feedback Results to the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission in October

Panoramic view of Gori Unit 1 in Gijang-gun, Busan. (Photo by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The 'nuclear phase-out' is being implemented in earnest. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) announced on the 7th that it is holding a draft final decommissioning plan briefing session for the Kori Unit 1, covering safety assessment, radiation protection, and environmental impact assessment.

The briefing sessions are being held from the 1st of this month until the 29th of next month in Busan City (Gijang-gun, Haeundae-gu, Geumjeong-gu), Ulsan City (Ulju-gun, Nam-gu, Jung-gu, Buk-gu, Dong-gu), and Yangsan City in Gyeongsangnam-do. The collection of residents' opinions is being conducted by local governments.

A KHNP official explained, "The decommissioning plan was prepared in accordance with the standards of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We referred to decommissioning plans of overseas nuclear power plants currently underway and sought advice from foreign engineering firms to ensure safety."

After the local governments finish collecting residents' opinions, KHNP plans to prepare the final decommissioning plan reflecting the results and submit it to the regulatory agency, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission. By the end of October, the final decommissioning plan along with the results of public inspection and public hearings will be submitted to the commission.

Jung Jae-hoon, President of KHNP, said, "During the decommissioning period, we will continue to communicate with residents using existing communication channels such as the Nuclear Safety Council and private environmental monitoring organizations, and do our best to ensure safe decommissioning."