The accident management plan for Kori Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4, which ceased operation after reaching the end of their design lifespan, was approved after the third review. However, the permit for continued operation (lifespan extension) of the units, which was discussed as a separate agenda item, was deferred to the next meeting.
The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) voted 7 in favor and 2 against to approve the accident management plans for Kori Units 3 and 4 and Hanbit Units 1 and 2, along with their operational change permits, during a meeting on the 15th.
The accident management plan outlines comprehensive safety measures, including response strategies, equipment, and training plans to prevent the escalation of severe accidents at nuclear power plants. While it is a separate process from the continued operation permit, significant overlap in content—such as severe accident response—makes it a critical step in the lifespan extension discussion.
Previous reviews on September 11 and 30 failed to reach a conclusion, but the plan was passed by vote during this session. Commissioners Park Jong-woon and Jin Jae-yong cast the opposing votes.
Earlier, the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) determined through on-site inspections and safety evaluations that the accident management plan met legal permitting standards. The Nuclear Safety Expert Committee also conducted six preliminary reviews over approximately nine months.
The NSSC also approved 20 cases of safety facility installations and replacements for the four reactors, including the addition of external cooling water supply pipelines and reinforcement of emergency power supply systems.
The NSSC initially included the continued operation permit for Kori Units 3 and 4 on the agenda for discussion but postponed the decision. The next meeting is scheduled for October 29.
Source: The Chosun Daily