Vice Minister of Industry 2 Visits Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant: "Nuclear Power's Role More Important Than Ever"

Participants Inspecting Pyeongtaek Hydrogen Production Facility
(Pyeongtaek=Yonhap News) Photo by Hong Gi-won = On the afternoon of the 27th of last month, attendees including Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, and Park Il-jun, 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, toured the facility at the 'Pyeongtaek Hydrogen Production Facility Completion Ceremony' held at the hydrogen specialized complex in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. 2022.7.27
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[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Lee Junhyung] Park Iljun, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, emphasized the importance of nuclear power generation.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Vice Minister Park visited the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant located in Yangnam-myeon, Gyeongju, on the 1st. On that day, Vice Minister Park inspected the summer operation status of the nuclear power plant managed by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and encouraged the on-site workers. He stated, "As the monsoon season has passed and the full heat wave has begun, the power supply and demand conditions are not easy," adding, "The role of nuclear power is more important than ever."

Vice Minister Park also emphasized the timely operation of nuclear reactors under maintenance according to KHNP’s plan. Currently, KHNP is maintaining Wolseong Unit 2 and Hanbit Units 3 and 4.

Vice Minister Park also visited the high-level radioactive waste dry storage facility (MACSTOR) at Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant, which was completed in March. He said, "MACSTOR applies technology already verified and operated in most countries worldwide," and added, "We must prioritize securing public safety and operate the facility safely while communicating with the local community." In fact, MACSTOR is a waste storage method introduced by 22 out of 33 countries operating nuclear power plants worldwide. It has been commercialized since 1975 and has had no accident cases for about 50 years.

Meanwhile, the government is promoting the enactment of a special law and the establishment of a dedicated organization to create a disposal site capable of permanently storing radioactive waste. A Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy official said, "We presented policy directions through the 'High-Level Radioactive Waste Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap' announced on the 20th of last month," and added, "Based on the roadmap, we will do our best to secure safe waste management technology in a timely manner."