Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) said on the 4th that Kori Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 in Gijang, Busan, began restarting operations on the 2nd.
Kori Unit 2 began commercial operation on Aug. 10, 1983, and halted operations on Apr. 8, 2023, when its 40-year operating license expired. KHNP submitted a continued operation safety assessment report to the regulator in Apr. 2022 for the continued operation of Kori Unit 2 and, after a review lasting about 3 years and 7 months, received approval for continued operation from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission in November last year.
KHNP carried out facility upgrades and safety inspections to improve plant safety and performance while Kori Unit 2 was offline, and, after the regulator's periodic inspections confirmed its safety for continued operation, began operation on the 2nd.
KHNP President Kim Hoe-chun said, "In a situation where energy supply instability persists, continued operation of nuclear power plants based on safety is an important means of ensuring national energy security," adding, "Starting with the successful continued operation of Kori Unit 2, we will thoroughly prepare for the continued operation of the nine reactors currently under way, do our utmost to ensure a stable power supply, and strive to contribute to the national economy and carbon neutrality."