Environmental Groups Call for Suspension of Hanbit Units 1 and 2 Life Extension

31 Civic Groups from Gwangju and Jeonnam Issue Joint Statement
"Declare an Energy Transition and Shut Down Nuclear Power Plants"

On the 8th anniversary of the permanent shutdown of Kori Unit 1, civic groups from Gwangju and Jeonnam have called for the suspension of the life extension procedures for Hanbit Units 1 and 2 in Yeonggwang.

The group 'Nuclear-Free Gwangju Jeonnam Action' issued a statement on June 18, arguing, "Due to the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's pro-nuclear policy, procedures to extend the lifespan of aging nuclear power plants have been underway," and insisted, "With the launch of a new government following the impeachment of President Yoon, the continued operation of aging nuclear power plants, including Hanbit Units 1 and 2, must be reconsidered from the beginning."

The group pointed out the inadequacies in the draft of the Radiological Environmental Impact Assessment prepared by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, the perfunctory collection of local residents’ opinions, and the failure to apply the latest technical standards. They stated, "Although the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission is currently reviewing the application for operational change submitted in December 2024, the process should be halted."

They also added that, with the Honam region's power grid already saturated and new renewable energy connections blocked, "If the extension of Hanbit Units 1 and 2 is suspended, there will be more capacity for transmitting renewable energy from Gwangju and Jeonnam."

The group emphasized, "Old nuclear power plants are inevitably more dangerous," and asserted, "The new government must declare an energy transition, not just an energy mix." Thirty-one local organizations, including Gwangju YWCA, Gwangju Environmental Movement Federation, and the Gwangju branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, participated in the statement.