nuclear-news

The UNsafety of South Korea’s nuclear power plants

Nuclear safety concerns growing Korea Times. Experts stress system overhaul necessary to avoid disaster By Park Si-soo, 8 Oct 12,  With nuclear reactors shutting down repeatedly month after month, there is growing concern over whether the nation’s atomic power plant management system has a structural problem that could lead to disaster.

Recently published data about a spate of nuclear incidents over the past decade suggests that the current situation should be taken more seriously. Most recently, nuclear reactors at two separate power plants in Busan and Younggwang stopped operations due to technical
problems.

According to data provided by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP),
nearly a quarter of the 93 unexpected breakdowns of nuclear reactors
over the past decade were caused by malfunctions in parts that could
have resulted in a disaster.

Thirteen breakdowns or 14 percent of the reported cases since 2002
were a result of malfunctions within the rods controlling the fission
of nuclear material. Malfunctions in the cooling system accounted for
6.5 percent or six cases. Experts say both the fission controller and
cooling systems are the most important parts for safety components
required to keep reactors operational.

Two other breakdowns or 2.3 percent were caused by malfunctions in the
emergency power supply system that was cited as the major cause of
Japan’s nuclear disaster in March last year that included the meltdown
of nuclear reactors and massive leaks of radiation.

These are figures contained in a report by the KHNP submitted to Rep.
Kim Tae-won of the ruling Saenuri Party as part of the upcoming
parliamentary audit of government and state-funded institutions.

The report has heightened the existing public unease over the safety
of nuclear power plants, ignited by the disaster in Japan.
Six breakdowns have occurred since July this year, three of which were
due to malfunctions within fission controllers.

“The possibility of a nuclear accident is high,” Kim said. “The KHNP
should reinforce its safety measures to reduce the nuclear risks of
the country.”….
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2012/10/123_121770.html

October 9, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | safety, South Korea