South Korea has taken a significant step in the field of nuclear energy: the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission has approved the decommissioning plan for Unit 1 of the Kori nuclear power plant, the oldest reactor in the country. Located near Busan, the plant began operations in 1978 and was permanently shut down in June 2017 after nearly four decades of service. The plan, submitted by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) in 2021, passed a thorough three-year technical review and was deemed compliant with national nuclear safety regulations. Dismantling activities will officially begin next month, starting with the removal of the turbines. The entire process, which includes the handling of spent nuclear fuel, is expected to be completed by 2037. KHNP emphasized that the project represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen domestic capabilities in nuclear decommissioning, with a strong focus on transparency and community engagement.
Massimo Serresi
