Regarding the approval of the operation of the Shin Kori Nuclear Power Plant Unit 4, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) Chairman Uhm Jae-sik said on Jan. 23, "In normal circumstances, the review is being carried out under normal procedures."
Uhim made these remarks at a press conference held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, saying, "I know that some people are saying that the deliberation is going on for too long."
The physical construction of the Shin Kori Unit 4 was completed in August 2017. However, the overall process rate has remained at 99.6 percent for 17 months because the commission has not been approved for operation.
"There are several factors. Also it took some time to reinforce the safety of the earthquake due to the Gyeongju and Pohang earthquakes," said Uhm. "The review by the professional committee has been completed and the review process will begin from the next general meeting (Feb. 1). The approval of the operation of the Shin Kori Unit 4 is not delayed due to the government's nuclear phase-out policy.
Regarding the saturation of spent fuel storage facilities at Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, another pending issue, the chairman said, "We are reviewing whether to construct additional temporary spent fuel dry storage facilities (MACSTOR)."
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) is currently working on a plan to build the seven MACSTORs additionally. When construction is completed, the time of saturation is extended by eight years, and Wolseong nuclear power plant can be operated until 2029, when the design life of the Wolseong Reactor Unit 4 is completed.
