South Korea Grants Extension to Oldest Operating Nuclear Reactor

(MENAFN) South Korea has given the green light to a 10-year renewal for its oldest functioning nuclear facility, Kori-2, on Thursday — a major policy move that could shape the fate of other aging reactors across the nation.

The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission’s ruling is anticipated to establish a guiding example for nine more reactors whose state-controlled operator, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., intends to request operational extensions for, according to a news agency.

Situated along South Korea’s southeastern shoreline, the Kori-2 reactor first entered commercial service in 1983 but was taken offline two years ago after nearly forty years of operation.

Two additional facilities, Kori-1 and Wolsong-1, have already been permanently retired.

Although the Lee Jae Myung administration continues to advocate for renewable power sources, several industry associations have voiced apprehension regarding potential electricity shortages amid increasing energy consumption fueled by the growth of artificial intelligence technologies.

At present, South Korea runs 26 nuclear reactors with a total output of 25,609 MWe. In 2024, the nation’s nuclear stations produced 188,754 GWh of electricity, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

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