ED Nuclear reactor prowess
Moon administration should reconsider nuclear phase-out
Most people are proud of South Korea's new nuclear reactor, which is expected to get a design certification from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in July. Receiving the certification means Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) can build and operate its own nuclear reactor in America.
The country has set a milestone in the history of nuclear power. In fact, Korea has reported no major glitches in the operation of nuclear reactors for the past four decades. That is, the country has developed its own advanced reactor technology and proven their safety internationally.
The NRC said recently that it would issue a direct final ruling certifying KHNP's Advanced Power Reactor 1400 design. The issuance will come after the state-run nuclear power operator submitted an application in December 2014 to certify the reactor's design for use in the U.S. as a standard design. Full certification is valid for 15 years.
The U.S. regulator issued a standard design approval, one of the steps toward full certification, last September. KHNP expects full certification will be available in late July. The APR1400 features enhanced systems to safely shut down the reactor and reduce the effects of an accident.
The APR1400 is a reactor model for export. Four reactors were built in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In Korea, six reactors of this type are in operation or under construction, including four Shin-Kori reactors.
Korean reactors have come to enjoy an international reputation as a result of the country's strenuous efforts to create a solid ecosystem encompassing technology, design, construction and operation. The country has also made huge investments in nurturing nuclear experts, promoting research and development and developing parts makers.
However, it is disappointing to see the nuclear power industry teetering on the brink of collapse in the face of President Moon Jae-in's nuclear phase-out policy. The construction work for two nuclear power plants was halted, while a plan to build four more plants was scrapped.
In this situation, nuclear plant builders and parts suppliers are increasingly going out of business. Many nuclear technicians and specialists have lost jobs. There is growing concern that the hard-won nuclear technology may lose its place not only at home but also abroad.
The irony is that Moon made a sales pitch for Korean nuclear reactors when he visited other countries such as the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and India. How can he promote domestic reactors abroad, while pushing for a nuclear phase-out?
It is time for the President to reconsider his policy of shutting down nuclear reactors here. This policy deepens the country's dependence on thermal power stations using coal, liquefied natural gases and other fossil fuels due to a lack of technology in harnessing renewable energy. Take action before it is too late to save the nuclear power industry.