The Nuclear Safety And Security Commission noted on the 24th that it would allow the restart of the Saewool Unit 1 nuclear power plant following a regular inspection.
Since December 19, 2024, the Nuclear Safety And Security Commission has inspected 79 items that must be completed before criticality from a total of 91 regular inspection items for Saewool Unit 1. As a result, it confirmed that criticality could be safely achieved. Criticality refers to the state in which a nuclear fission chain reaction continues to occur within the reactor and the number of neutrons reaches equilibrium. A reactor that reaches a critical state can be operated safely under control.
During the regular inspection period, it was confirmed that the maintenance of the pilot-operated safety relief valve, which prevents the pressure of the emergency diesel generator and reactor coolant from rising, was appropriate. Additionally, the fire protection status of the fuel storage area and the integrity checks of the anchor bolts in the cooling seawater system all satisfied the relevant technical standards.
The Nuclear Safety And Security Commission plans to ultimately confirm safety through the remaining 12 follow-up inspection items, including power ascension tests.