South Korea has approved the decision to decommission the first commercial (and currently non-operational) nuclear reactor, Kori-1, Korean media reported on Thursday, citing the Nuclear Safety Commission.
A Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP)Â representative said that it would take about 12 years to completely dismantle the reactor. This timeframe is due to the need to build storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel. The process will generate 171,708 tonnes of radioactive waste.
The use of domestic technologies in the decontamination process allows South Korea to strengthen its position in the global market for nuclear decommissioning services. The commission representative emphasised the importance of successful dismantling for the entire industry. He noted that the Kori-1 project could significantly increase the industry’s competitiveness.
The Kori-1 reactor is located in Busan in the south-east of the Republic of Korea. In May 2024, state-owned energy company Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) began the chemical decontamination process to remove radioactive materials from the reactor, which was the first step in decommissioning the facility. The Nuclear Safety Commission’s approval was required for complete dismantling.
Kori-1 was notorious for regular accidents caused by ageing equipment. After the Fukushima disaster, local residents, some public organisations and political forces began campaigning for its closure.
Residents of the surrounding areas welcomed the government’s decision with jubilation. “It feels like a long-standing toothache has finally been removed, and now everything is suddenly easy and good,” one resident of Gijang told reporters. The Busan authorities also welcomed the decision by the country’s leadership.
