Domestic nuclear energy experts have warned that improvements to the nuclear power plant continuous operation system are urgent. They also cautioned that without changes to the current continuous operation system, economic losses could reach 1 trillion won annually over the next 10 years starting in 2030.
Professor Moon Juhyun of Dankook University served as a presenter at a policy seminar held on the 3rd in the National Assembly Member's Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "In the U.S., nuclear plants can operate for over 80 years through continuous operation," adding, "In the U.S., the initial operating permit for nuclear plants is 40 years, and continuous operation can be extended in 20-year increments, while in South Korea, continuous operation is reviewed in 10-year increments."
The policy seminar held that day, titled "Is the nuclear power plant continuous operation system okay as it is?" was led by lawmaker Park Chungkwon of the People Power Party. The presentation was given by Professor Moon Juhyun, while the expert discussion was chaired by Professor Jeong Beomjin of Kyunghee University, bringing together opinions from domestic experts. The discussion included participation from Kim Changhyun, head of the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Corporation Safety Research Institute, Park Wonseok, head of the Nuclear Power Industry Policy Research Center, Park Sangdeok, head of the Seoul National University Nuclear Policy Center, Ko Beomkyu, director of Fact and Science Network, and Jo Jeongah, Director General of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission.
Professor Moon stated, "Continuous operation of nuclear power plants is the most efficient way to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) also evaluates continuous operation as an effective means of achieving carbon neutrality," adding that, "Continuous operation is also the most efficient for stably supplying electricity."
The continuous operation system for nuclear power plants continues to operate by supplementing safety after the design life has expired. According to domestic law, once the design life has expired, nuclear plants cannot be operated. In South Korea, the review cycle for continuous operation of nuclear plants is 10 years, which is shorter than in other countries, and the lengthy review period often leads to nuclear plants being halted during the review process.
Even if a continuous operation permit is obtained after a nuclear plant has stopped, the operational period allowed is set at 10 years after the design life expires. For instance, if a continuous operation review takes more than 4 years and a permit is granted 4 years after the design life ends, the actual operational period for the nuclear plant would only be 6 years. Professor Moon emphasized the need to explore methods that ensure operators can secure practical operating periods of more than 10 years while sufficiently confirming the safety of the nuclear plants, noting, "In the current system, the longer the review takes, the shorter the continuous operation period becomes, indicating the need for improvement."
Professor Jeong Beomjin also mentioned, "I believe it would be appropriate to extend the current 10-year continuous operation permits to 20-year increments like the U.S.S," adding, "It remains our challenge to determine whether the permit period will be set for 10 years after the design life expires or for 10 years after the review is completed."
Claims were made that the limitations of the continuous operation system for nuclear power plants result in significant economic losses domestically. Kim Changhyun noted, "If the Hanbit Unit 1 stops for a year, the loss is about 400 billion won, and based on current estimates, the losses could reach up to 1 trillion won," adding, "If 10 nuclear power plants stop over the next 5 years, the cumulative loss could reach 10 trillion won."
There were also voices expressing disappointment at the government's and National Assembly's lukewarm stance regarding improvements to the system. Center head Park Sangdeok stated, "While Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, sends positive signals regarding continuous operation during meetings with the government, opposition lawmakers are actually proposing legislation to further strengthen the nuclear phase-out."
Jo Jeongah, Director General of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, stated, "The commission is continuously discussing improvements to the continuous operation system," adding, "We will incorporate opinions today and prepare improvement measures that ensure maximum safety."