S. Korea may need nuclear spent fuel storage by 2016

South Korea additional spent nuclear fuel storage by 2016 Reuters

South Korea could run out of spent nuclear fuel storage capacity by 2016 and needs to find additional space soon.

According to Reuters, at the end of 2013, the country has 13,254 tonnes of spent fuel stored at nuclear power plant sites. Many of the reactors were temporarily shut down due to replacement parts supplied with fake certificates since 2012, and the government has been under pressure to permanently shut down all 23 reactors. The reactors generate about 750 tonnes of spent fuel each year. Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. operates the country’s nuclear plants.

An official with the Public Engagement Commission told Reuters that reactors would have to shut down if more storage space is not found.

Subscribe to Nuclear Power International magazine