The Marine City Safety Committee of the Busan City Council visited the Gori Nuclear Power Plant on September 14 to assess the current operations and key safety issues related to nuclear power.
The visit aimed to comprehensively review the safety management system at the Gori Nuclear Power Plant, which is focused on long-term projects including the decommissioning of Gori Unit 1, preparations for the continued operation of existing reactors, the construction of spent nuclear fuel storage facilities, and the introduction of new innovative small modular reactors (i-SMR).
The committee first received a report on key issues from the Gori Nuclear Power Plant, followed by a visit to the decommissioning site of Gori Unit 1, the first permanently shut down reactor in the country.
Committee members listened to discussions on the management of radioactive waste and worker exposure during the decommissioning process, emphasizing that the safety of workers and surrounding communities must be prioritized throughout the project.
They then visited the improvement sites for Gori Units 3 and 4, where they checked the status of major equipment replacements and the safety management system. The committee inspected the main control room of Gori Unit 3 and the spent nuclear fuel storage pool, as well as the planned site for the dry storage facility for spent nuclear fuel and the proposed site for the i-SMR.
The committee stressed the need to clarify safety standards for each project, as the operation, decommissioning, and introduction of new technologies are being pursued simultaneously. They called for sufficient information sharing and transparent communication to build public trust.
Chairperson Yoon Ji-young stated, "Nuclear safety is directly related to the lives of citizens," and emphasized that thorough management must prioritize public safety in the long-term issues of decommissioning Gori Unit 1 and managing spent nuclear fuel.
The Marine City Safety Committee plans to reflect the results of this inspection in practical policy and institutional improvements.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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