Home Tags Posts tagged with "nuclear reactors"

nuclear reactors

0

South Korea has decided to suspend operations at two more nuclear reactors over the use of unauthorized parts.

The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission also delayed the start of operations at two other reactors, but said there was no public safety threat.

Two reactors were suspended in late 2012, amid a scandal over parts with fake safety certificates.

South Korea has 23 nuclear reactors which supply about a third of its electricity needs.

The suspension of two reactors raised questions about power supply over the summer, local media said.

The two reactors to be suspended pending replacement of the unauthorized parts are the Shin Kori Reactor 2 and Shin Wolsong Reactor 1, the commission said.

South Korea has suspended operations at two more nuclear reactors over the use of unauthorized parts

South Korea has suspended operations at two more nuclear reactors over the use of unauthorized parts

Shin Kori Reactor 1, which is currently undergoing maintenance, and Shin Wolsong Reactor 2, a new reactor, will also not operate until parts are replaced.

All components used in South Korean nuclear reactors require specific certification.

But last year a minister revealed that some parts used in two reactors at the Yeonggwang nuclear plant had not been properly vetted.

Knowledge Economy Minister Hong Suk-woo said these were “non-core” parts that included fuses, cooling fans and power switches – items which could be used in other industries but needed international certification for nuclear power plant usage.

Earlier this month, six nuclear power engineers and suppliers were jailed in connection with the supply of components with forged safety certificates mainly to the Yeonggwang complex.

[youtube jk7wWtvMAe0]

0

South Korea has shut down two nuclear reactors after it was revealed that some parts used had not been properly vetted, an official says.

Knowledge Economy Minister Hong Suk-woo said these were “non-core” parts and were not a safety threat.

They included fuses, cooling fans and power switches that did not have the required nuclear industry certificates.

The shutdown means there could be “unprecedented” power shortages in the next few months, Hong Suk-woo said.

The more than 5,000 parts could be used in other industries but needed international certification for nuclear power plant usage, he said.

Almost all the parts were used at the Yeonggwang Nuclear Power Plant, in the south-west, where the two reactors were shut down.

“Comprehensive safety check-ups are necessary at these two reactors where the uncertified parts were used extensively,” the minister said.

“It’s inevitable that we will experience unprecedented power shortage during the coming winter with the two reactors shut.”

He said the parts, worth 820 million won ($750,000), had been sourced from eight suppliers since 2003.

South Korea’s 23 nuclear reactors, which supply 35% of the country’s electricity, have experienced a series of malfunctions over the past few months.

While none have posed a public risk, opposition to the government’s bid to vastly expand its nuclear industry has been growing.

 

© © 2011 - 2023 BelleNews.com