Korea's first commercial nuclear reactor Kori-1 prepares for dismantlement

Korea began a decontamination process Tuesday as it prepares to dismantle the country's first commercial Kori-1 nuclear reactor, the country's state-run energy firm said.

A now-retired Kori-1 nuclear reactor located in Busan [YONHAP]

Korea began a decontamination process Tuesday as it prepares to dismantle the country's first commercial Kori-1 nuclear reactor, the country's state-run energy firm said.

This marks the first time that the Korean government will dismantle its own nuclear reactor.

After some 40 years of service from April 1978, the unit 1 reactor of the Kori nuclear power plant in Busan was permanently closed in June 2017.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) said it began the chemical decontamination process to remove radioactive materials from the reactor, which is deemed a crucial first step in its decommissioning procedures. KHNP is also required to receive approval from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission for dismantlement.

The company is utilizing domestic technologies and equipment for the decontamination process, which will allow Korea to make inroads into the global nuclear decommissioning services market.

"The successful dismantlement of a power plant carries significance in the industry ecosystem. The Kori-1 reactor project is expected to serve as a chance to boost the competitiveness of the industry," a KHNP official said.

It generally takes seven to eight years for the completion of a decommissioning process. But it is not yet clear how long it will take for the Kori-1 reactor dismantlement due to some issues regarding the construction of spent nuclear fuel storage facilities, according to officials.

BY PARK EUN-JEE, YONHAP [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]