The government will fully expand the regular inspection system for nuclear power plants. It will also speed up the establishment of a regulatory framework for the introduction of next-generation nuclear power plants and safety regulations required for nuclear power exports.
The Nuclear Safety And Security Commission announced on the 21st that it will implement six tasks, including the innovation of the regulatory system for nuclear facilities, aiming to create a society safe from nuclear accidents and radiation hazards.
The Nuclear Safety And Security Commission will expand the regular inspection system, which is currently being pilot-tested at the Shin-Wolsong Unit 2, to all nuclear power plants. Regular inspections are conducted during operation on some maintenance items. Previously, regular inspections were conducted after shutting down the nuclear power plants, but concerns were raised that it was difficult to sufficiently ensure safety due to the short operational shutdown period. To expand regular inspections, the Commission will establish in-depth inspection procedures for detecting unusual signs or abnormalities at nuclear power plants this year and develop more effective inspection methods.
To verify the safety of continuously operating nuclear power plants, related systems will also be improved. The items and procedures for assessing the safety of continuous operation will be organized, and an online public hearing for local residents will be held. In addition, the system related to the disposal of radioactive waste generated during the decommissioning of nuclear plants will be supplemented, and legislative amendments will be pursued to establish a permitting system for nuclear fuel cycle facilities.
The Nuclear Safety And Security Commission will also support safety regulations regarding the export of nuclear facilities to the Czech Republic. As the APR1000, which is being exported to the Czech Republic, has never been constructed domestically, the Commission will begin safety reviews for standard design approval and strengthen cooperation with the Czech Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
A review system for the innovative small modular reactor (i-SMR), which is gaining attention as a next-generation nuclear power plant, will also be established. As it is expected that the application for standard design approval for the i-SMR will be made next year, preparations for regulatory standards necessary for review will be made in advance. Additionally, efforts will be made to promote the permitting system and training of professionals required for developing high-temperature gas reactors and molten salt reactors.
Based on the accident management plan established on the 9th, the system for preparing for nuclear accidents will also be strengthened. A protective system against drone terrorism and hacking, which threaten nuclear power safety, will be established, and a cooperative system with related ministries including the Ministry of National Defense and the Korean National Police Agency will be set up.
Additionally, to monitor the impact of the Fukushima nuclear power plant's contaminated water discharge, a system for information sharing with Taiwan will be established, and communication with regions near nuclear power plants will be strengthened to minimize public concerns about nuclear safety.
Chairperson Choi Won-ho of the Nuclear Safety And Security Commission remarked, "This year, I will do my best to enhance the nuclear safety regulatory system based on science and technology so that a safe society can be realized, and I will strive to become a commission trusted by the public."