nuclear-news

South Korea’s nuclear program falters, as public opposition increases

 the reactor has had 51 malfunctions since it went online, “due to flaws in machinery and components, including radiation leaks, coolant leaks and reactor shutdowns,” 

South Korea to boost nuclear power? SEOUL, Feb. 20 (UPI) — South Korea’s plans to boost nuclear power face increasing resistance from civic and environmental groups, post Fukushima, the Japanese reactor site hit by an earthquake and tsunami last year…

.. the South Korean government has been trying to recruit top nuclear experts from Tokyo
Electric Power Company, operator of the Fukushima plant, to work in South Korea’s nuclear power sector, reports Japan’s Mainichi Shimbun newspaper.

Meanwhile in Gyeongju, 230 miles southeast of Seoul, the No. 1 reactor at the Wolseong nuclear power plant was shut down last month after a temperature sensor on one of its four reactor coolant pumps malfunctioned.

That incident came six months after the reactor was restarted following more than two years of maintenance….. The Wolseong No. 1 reactor, which began commercial operation in 1983, is the second oldest in Korea. Its 30-year design life comes to a close in 2013 but the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission is assessing the possibility of an extension.

“They give 10-year extensions in other countries, too, after conducting safety inspections according to set procedures,” a ministry official said.

However, local residents and environmental groups are concerned about the reactor’s safety, given its track record. Not including last month’s shutdown, the reactor has had 51 malfunctions since it went online, “due to flaws in machinery and components, including radiation leaks, coolant leaks and reactor shutdowns,” says the Korea Federation of Environmental Movements.

“Because the Wolseong No. 1 reactor has reached the end of its 30-year
design life and is worn out, it is expected to keep malfunctioning
from now on. There is a high possibility that a small accident could
quickly turn into a large-scale one,” warned Lee Sang-hong, director
of a Gyeongju alliance for nuclear safety, Hankyoreh reports.
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/02/20/South-Korea-to-boost-nuclear-power/UPI-66711329765873/#ixzz1n3fD0p8n

February 21, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | safety, South Korea