The Nuclear Safety Commission has approved a 10-year extension for the operation of Gori Nuclear Power Plants 3 and 4, allowing them to operate until September 2034 and August 2035, respectively. This decision comes as power demand increases due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, opening the door for the continued use of existing power generation facilities. Ensuring stable power supply has become a key issue for industrial competitiveness.
In the AI era, competition among industries is also a competition for power supply. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global data center electricity consumption will nearly double from 485 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025 to 950 TWh by 2030. The IEA's forecast indicates that South Korea must ensure a stable power supply to expand its AI services and semiconductor production base. If companies cannot receive the necessary power on time, they risk missing growth opportunities. The stability and cost of power supply influence not only data center operations but also domestic investment and site selection for businesses.
Continuing the operation of existing nuclear power plants, which have been confirmed to be safe, is a practical means of maintaining the power supply base. Given that constructing new power plants takes time, it is essential to properly maintain and operate available facilities. In a context where international disputes and supply chain uncertainties disrupt energy supply, diversifying energy sources and fuel procurement routes is also crucial. Alongside utilizing nuclear power, efforts must be made to expand transmission networks, complement renewable energy and storage systems, and improve energy efficiency.
Of course, the premise for continued operation is thorough safety management. This approval does not immediately mean that the plants will resume operation. Equipment replacements and improvements must be implemented, and suitability must be confirmed through on-site inspections by the Nuclear Safety Commission. Following the announcement, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power must meticulously examine the aging status of key equipment, such as piping and electrical systems, and fully implement improvement plans. Regulatory agencies should not rush inspections due to pressure from power supply or restart schedules. Continuous monitoring of equipment status and prompt responses to any anomalies must be maintained even after operation begins.
Building public trust is also essential. The results of safety assessments and the status of equipment improvements should be explained in an easily understandable manner to the public, and inspection results during operation should be consistently disclosed. Specific data must be provided to address questions and concerns from local residents. Training for emergency situations, including evacuation drills for residents and responses from relevant agencies, should also enhance effectiveness. Providing verifiable information and consistent management reassures the public more than mere declarations of safety.
Protection systems must also be reviewed in light of new threats. Last year, a drone attack at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine damaged protective structures that contain radioactive materials. In an unstable international situation, external threats to nuclear facilities cannot be dismissed as distant issues. Safety management must encompass not only internal equipment failures and accidents but also external threats.
The government and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power must assess systems for detecting, identifying, and blocking illegal drones, and confirm information-sharing and joint response procedures with military and police agencies. It is crucial to go beyond merely equipping systems and verify their functionality through joint training in real situations. Any deficiencies identified during inspections must be addressed with clear deadlines and responsible parties. Preparations for cyberattacks and disruptions to external power supply must also be reviewed. For the continued operation of Gori Units 3 and 4 to contribute to power supply, investments in safety and protection must follow. Effective management that reassures the public underpins the sustainability of nuclear power utilization.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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