Kori Nuclear Power Headquarters Holds Event to Pledge Safe Continued Operation of Kori Unit 3

Safe Continuous Operation Contributes to Addressing Energy Crisis and Climate Change

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Kori Nuclear Power Headquarters held an event on the 24th at the Kori Nuclear Power Headquarters in Gijang-gun, Busan, to pledge the safe continued operation of Kori Unit 3.

Gori Nuclear Power Headquarters held a ceremony pledging the safe continued operation of Gori Unit 3.

About 100 people attended the event, including Lee Sangmin, Vice President of Technology at KHNP, Kwanghoon Lee, Head of Kori Nuclear Power Headquarters, as well as partner company representatives and employees. The event featured a photo exhibition on the history of Kori Unit 3, a screening of a video supporting continued operation produced by employees of Kori Unit 2, and a resolution ceremony to pledge the successful continued operation of Kori Unit 3.

Kori Unit 3 is a nuclear power plant that received construction approval in December 1979 and began commercial operation on September 30, 1985. With the operating license set to expire, the reactor is scheduled to be shut down on September 28 of this year.

Over the past 40 years, Kori Unit 3 has generated a cumulative total of approximately 284 billion kWh, which is enough to supply the entire population of Busan for about 13 years.

Kori Nuclear Power Headquarters applied for an operating license amendment for the continued operation of Kori Unit 3 to the regulatory authority in November 2023. Prior to this, a continued operation safety assessment report was submitted in September 2022, and public feedback on the draft radiological environmental impact assessment for continued operation was completed in July 2023.

Currently, a safety assessment review of Kori Unit 3 is underway, and it is expected to be verified that sufficient safety has been secured for continued operation. In addition, Kori Unit 3 plans to enhance reliability and safety by expanding accident response facilities, aiming for restart in June 2026.

Continued operation addresses the disadvantages of high costs and long construction periods associated with building new nuclear power plants, and is one of the key measures for strengthening energy security and achieving carbon neutrality in response to the climate crisis.

Globally, out of 267 nuclear power plants whose operating licenses have expired, 244 units (91%) have implemented continued operation.

In particular, in the United States, all 63 units whose licenses have expired have implemented continued operation, with none being decommissioned without pursuing continued operation (as of December 2023).

Most countries with nuclear power plants are pursuing continued operation, provided that safety and economic feasibility are ensured.

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