Gwangju and Jeonnam Environmental Groups: "No Extension for Hanbit Units 1 and 2 Operation"

Honam Joint Action Holds Press Conference at May 18 Democracy Square: "NSSC Should Reject KHNP's Application for Lifespan Extension"

On the 19th, at the 5·18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju, the Honam Joint Action Against Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant, consisting of five environmental organizations from Gwangju and Jeonnam, held an emergency press conference and shouted slogans. Photo by Min Chanki

Environmental groups in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions have strongly protested, calling Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's early application for the lifespan extension of Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant Units 1 and 2 a "sneaky application."

The Honam Joint Action for Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant, consisting of five environmental organizations from Gwangju and Jeonnam, held an emergency press conference at the May 18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju on the 19th. They stated, "Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (hereinafter KHNP) submitted an application to the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission for an operational change to extend the lifespan of Hanbit Units 1 and 2 on the 13th, just one day before the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol was passed," adding, "This shows their intention to rush their own procedures amid political turmoil."

The groups pointed out, "KHNP applied for the lifespan extension much earlier than the originally mentioned timeline at resident public hearings, which was supposed to be at the end of this month," and questioned, "It is doubtful how much the problems in the draft Radiological Environmental Impact Assessment, which nearby six local governments and residents requested to be supplemented before public review, have actually been addressed."

They emphasized, "Since KHNP began the process of extending the lifespan of Hanbit Units 1 and 2 in June last year, our organizations have continuously raised concerns about the risks of extending the operation of aging nuclear plants," adding, "Even at the recent public hearings on the draft Radiological Environmental Impact Assessment, debates continued over issues such as the failure to apply the latest technical standards, inadequate preparedness for Fukushima-level severe accidents, and insufficient measures for resident protection."

Furthermore, "Despite this, KHNP repeatedly failed to provide proper answers at multiple public hearings, only making statements like 'It's safe, so don't worry,'" and "The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, which received the application for lifespan extension, should immediately reject it without any review, as the overwhelming majority of residents oppose the extension of Hanbit Units 1 and 2."

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