S. Korea to Shut Down Oldest Reactor in 2017
Date
6/17/2015 4:13:46 AM
(MENAFN- QNA) South Korea's oldest nuclear reactor will come to a permanent halt when its operational license expires in 2017 as the state nuclear operator gave up a second bid for a life extension amid safety woes.
Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) said it accepted the government's recommendation to shut down the Kori-1 reactor, in the southeastern port city of Busan, with two days left before the deadline for the proposal, according to South Korea's (Yonhap) News Agency.
Built in 1977, the 580-megawatt light water reactor extended its life by 10 years to 2017, but it has faced growing pressure to shutdown from residents and civic groups over safety concerns in light of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis in Japan.
It will be the first time that South Korea permanently closes a nuclear power plant, presenting the difficult challenge of decommissioning.
"Although the Kori-1 is safe for continued operation, there were differing opinions over its economic feasibility," the KHNP said following a meeting of board of directors.
"The board members agreed that closing the reactor wouldn't pose a serious problem for the nation's energy supply and it would help the nuclear industry's mid- and long-term development."
There are 23 nuclear reactors producing about a third of the electrical energy for Asia's fourth-largest economy.
While 11 others are or will soon be under construction, the ministry recently announced a long-term energy plan to build two more nuclear power plants, bringing the total to 36 plants by 2029 as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.