NSSC Operates Task Force to Review Nuclear Regulation Issues

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission announced on the 5th that it will form a 'Nuclear Regulation Issue Inspection Team' to facilitate smooth discussion and prompt resolution of current issues among nuclear safety-related organizations.

The inspection team will serve as a communication channel for regulatory agencies and operators to jointly secure technical safety. It will specifically identify and resolve technical issues at nuclear facilities and discuss related institutional improvement measures if necessary. The NSSC expects that through the operation of the inspection team, the regulatory agencies' stance on technical issues will be clearly conveyed to operators, thereby strengthening institutional safety.

The inspection team will be composed of working groups (WGs) by sector, including new nuclear power plants, continued operation, current issues, and communication, as well as an overall coordination group. Each working group will include practical managers from related organizations such as regulatory agencies (NSSC, Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety), relevant ministries (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy), and operators (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power), who will closely communicate on safety issues. If necessary, external experts from academia and industry will also be consulted by sector.

To ensure smooth formation of the inspection team, the NSSC has been gathering opinions from related organizations since May. The new nuclear power plant working group and the continued operation system improvement working group have already held kickoff meetings and started activities. The new nuclear power plant working group will hold its 4th meeting on the afternoon of the 5th to check the preparation status related to the resumption of safety reviews for Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4.

Yoo Guk-hee, Chairperson of the NSSC, said, “For achieving nuclear safety that the public can feel and trust, which is a national agenda of the new government, close communication and cooperation between regulatory agencies and operators are important,” adding, “If we share safety issues at the site through the newly formed inspection team and seek solutions, it will be possible to secure safety more meticulously and swiftly.”