South Korea Restarts Gori-2 Nuclear Reactor After Three-Year Safety Suspension

South Korea has resumed operations at the Gori-2 nuclear reactor in Busan after a three-year suspension for safety inspections and facility upgrades. The reactor, one of the country’s early nuclear power units, had been offline since its 40-year operating permit expired in April 2023. Approval to restart the facility was granted in November, allowing the reactor to return to commercial service following required improvements.

According to a report by Bernama citing Yonhap News, the reactor resumed operations on Saturday. It is operated by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., the state-run company responsible for managing South Korea’s nuclear power plants.

Reactor With Four Decades Of Service

The Gori-2 unit is located at the Gori Nuclear Power Plant in Busan, approximately 325 kilometres southeast of Seoul. It first began commercial operations in April 1983 and was the country’s third nuclear reactor to enter service.

Its original operating licence allowed for 40 years of service, expiring in April 2023. As the licence period ended, operations were halted to allow for safety checks and facility improvements required before the reactor could be authorised to run again.

Safety Inspections And Regulatory Approval

During the suspension period, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power carried out inspections and upgrades aimed at meeting regulatory safety requirements. These measures were necessary for the plant to obtain approval to resume generating electricity.

The operator received permission to restart the reactor in November after the required checks and improvements were completed. The return of Gori-2 adds back generating capacity from one of South Korea’s longstanding nuclear facilities.