South Korea is stepping into uncharted territory with the imminent decommissioning of its first nuclear power plant, Kori-1. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission has greenlit the dismantlement process, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s energy landscape. The operation, spearheaded by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP), is expected to span 12 years and manage approximately 170,000 tonnes of nuclear waste, all at an estimated cost of Won1.1trn ($810m).
Kori-1, commissioned in 1978, is the first of South Korea’s 26 operational nuclear plants to face decommissioning. The country, ranked fifth globally in nuclear energy production by the International Atomic Energy Agency, is now navigating the complexities of nuclear plant dismantlement. The KHNP’s proposal met all technical requirements under national safety regulations, ensuring the operation’s compliance with stringent safety laws.
This project could position South Korea as a contender in the global nuclear plant dismantlement market, currently dominated by the US, Japan, and Germany. Industry experts suggest that a successful decommissioning could enable South Korea to export its expertise, capitalizing on the growing demand for safe and efficient nuclear plant dismantlement.
The decommissioning of Kori-1 comes at a time of shifting nuclear power plans in South Korea. Earlier this year, the government revised its nuclear power plans following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, a proponent of atomic energy. The revised plans aim to add 3.5GW of nuclear capacity by 2038, down from the previously proposed 4.9GW, while renewable energy capacity will see a slight increase to 122GW from 120GW.
As South Korea embarks on this historic project, the success of Kori-1’s decommissioning could shape the country’s role in the global nuclear energy sector. It could also influence the development of nuclear power plants, with a focus on designing facilities that are easier and more cost-effective to decommission. Moreover, the project could spur advancements in nuclear waste management and recycling technologies, contributing to a more sustainable nuclear energy sector.
The decommissioning process will undoubtedly present challenges, but it also offers an opportunity for South Korea to demonstrate its technical prowess and commitment to safe and responsible nuclear energy practices. The global nuclear community will be watching closely, as the lessons learned from Kori-1’s dismantlement could inform future decommissioning projects worldwide.