KHNP Takes First Step in Nuclear Plant Decommissioning... Begins Decontamination for Gori Unit 1 Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Completion of the Entire Lifecycle of the Nuclear Power Industry

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) took the first step toward nuclear power plant dismantling on the 7th by commencing system decontamination work on Korea’s first nuclear reactor, Kori Unit 1.

After the ceremony marking the commencement of the first domestic decommissioning and decontamination of Gori Unit 1, attendees are taking a commemorative photo together.

With this, KHNP has moved one step closer to completing the entire nuclear power generation industry cycle, from construction and operation to dismantling.

System decontamination is one of the key dismantling processes that removes radioactive substances deposited inside reactor coolant pipes and other components accumulated over 40 years of plant operation using chemical agents. It is an essential procedure to minimize worker radiation exposure and ensure safe dismantling.

KHNP plans to use domestically developed technologies and equipment created by Korean engineers during this system decontamination process.

KHNP will leverage the experience gained from this system decontamination to accelerate the demonstration and advancement of domestic dismantling technologies. Furthermore, it will devote full efforts to fostering the domestic dismantling industry in preparation for the expanding global demand for nuclear power plant dismantling, and based on this, it is expected to enter the large-scale overseas nuclear dismantling market in the future.

Hwang Ju-ho, President of KHNP, stated, “Starting with the first-ever system decontamination in Korea, we will thoroughly prepare to dismantle Kori Unit 1 safely and transparently.” He added, “We will also strive to enhance the global competitiveness of the dismantling industry through the experience gained from dismantling Kori Unit 1.”

Hwang Ju-ho, President of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (far right among the group), is receiving a briefing on dismantling and decontamination at the Gori Unit 1 site.

Kori Unit 1 is Korea’s first nuclear power plant, which began commercial operation on April 29, 1978. It was permanently shut down on June 18, 2017, and dismantling preparations have been underway since then. KHNP submitted the final dismantling plan to regulatory authorities in May 2021, and the approval review by the regulatory body is currently in progress.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.