The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) is holding a meeting today (the 27th) to conduct its second review on whether to grant a license for the continued operation of Units 3 and 4 of the Kori Nuclear Power Plant in Gijang, Busan.

Kori Unit 3 suspended operations on September 28, 2024, and Unit 4 stopped running on August 6 of last year.

The NSSC's review of Kori Units 3 and 4 marks the second evaluation among the 10 nuclear reactors for which Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has applied for continued operation.

Previously, on the 15th, the NSSC passed the accident management plans for Kori Units 3 and 4—considered a major hurdle for continued operation—after three rounds of discussions.

However, as the review for continued operation was submitted as the third agenda item late in the meeting, a shortage of discussion time limited committee members to just a single round of questioning each.

Within the nuclear power sector, cautious projections are emerging that since the accident management plan, which serves as a comprehensive manual for nuclear accidents, has been approved, the license for continued operation will likely be granted this time as well.

On the other hand, considering that the NSSC typically undergoes about three rounds of discussions for major review items, there are also forecasts that the discussions might be extended further.

If continued operation is approved at the meeting, the operational lifespan of Kori Unit 3 will be extended until September 2034, and Unit 4 until August 2035.

Given the preparations required for operation, it is projected that operations could resume in a few months.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)