Gori Plant's Fuel Storage to Reach 95% Capacity Next Year

Growing Concerns Over Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Capacity

Projections indicate that spent nuclear fuel storage facilities at major nuclear power plants in South Korea are expected to reach saturation levels starting next year. This revelation has sparked renewed discussions about the limitations of current storage capacities and the need for long-term solutions.

According to data submitted by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to the office of People Power Party Representative Yu Yong-weon, specific figures on the saturation rates of spent nuclear fuel storage have been disclosed for the first time. These projections highlight the urgency of addressing the issue, especially as several nuclear power plants approach critical levels.

The Gori Nuclear Power Plant is expected to hit a saturation rate of 95.1% next year, with the current rate standing at 93.5%. The Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant currently operates at an 85.3% saturation rate, but this is projected to rise to 95.1% by 2029. Meanwhile, the Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant, which uses a pressurized heavy water reactor, is at 84.6% saturation and is expected to reach 98.6% by 2033.

Spent nuclear fuel is initially stored in wet storage pools within the plant. When these pools reach capacity or when reactors are decommissioned, the fuel is transferred to dry storage facilities located on-site. KHNP has outlined plans to reduce saturation rates by utilizing dry storage facilities. For instance, the Gori plant will replace wet storage racks with dense storage racks in 2027, and dry storage facilities are expected to begin operations in 2031, aiming to lower the saturation rate to 68.6%.

At the Hanbit plant, the introduction of dry storage facilities by 2030 is anticipated to bring the saturation rate down to 65.3%. Similarly, if the Wolsong plant expands its dry storage facilities by 2034, the saturation rate could drop to 87.5%.

However, the implementation of dry storage facilities faces significant challenges due to the lengthy construction process. A newly enacted "Special Act on the Management of High-Level Radioactive Waste" requires approval from a newly established administrative committee under the Prime Minister and resident consent before any dry storage facilities can be installed. This regulatory framework means that site selection, obtaining community support, and facility installation will take considerable time.

The government has emphasized the importance of revising the South Korea-U.S. nuclear agreement to secure rights for spent nuclear fuel reprocessing and other related activities. Officials argue that this is crucial for ensuring energy security and supporting the country’s industrial economy, particularly given that South Korea operates 26 nuclear reactors.

Recent discussions between South Korean and U.S. authorities suggest alignment on allowing South Korea uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel reprocessing rights at a level comparable to the 1988 revised U.S.-Japan nuclear agreement. Under that agreement, Japan was granted the right to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and enrich uranium up to less than 20%. Representative Yu has called for South Korea to be granted similar rights, emphasizing the strategic importance of such provisions.

As the nation grapples with the growing challenge of spent nuclear fuel storage, the need for comprehensive policy reforms and international cooperation becomes increasingly apparent. Addressing these issues will require careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to long-term energy sustainability.