(MENAFN- QNA) The South Korean government recommended Friday the state nuclear power operator permanently shut down the nation's oldest reactor when its operational license expires two years later, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy advised the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to close the Kori-1 reactor located in the southeastern port city of Busan, as it was deliberating whether to apply for extending the life of the 38-year-old reactor before the deadline set for July 18.
"We concluded that the permanent shutdown of (the Kori-1) is appropriate for the mid- and long-term development of the nation's nuclear industry," Energy Minister Yong Sang-jick said after an energy commission meeting. "The ministry will deliver the recommendation to the KHNP."
Built in 1977, the 580-megawatt light water reactor extended its life by 10 years to 2017, but it has faced growing pressure from residents and civic groups over safety concerns in light of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis in Japan.
If the KHNP accepts the government's recommendation, it will be the first time that South Korea permanently closed a nuclear power plant, presenting a difficult challenge of decommissioning.
There are 23 nuclear reactors producing about a third of the electrical energy for Asia's fourth-largest economy, according to Yonhap News Agency.
While 11 others are or will soon be under construction, the ministry recently announced a long-term energy plan to build two more nuclear power plants to have 36 plants by 2029 as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.