Current Status of Continued Operation for Kori unit 1 beyond Design Life

Since the commercial operation of Kori Nuclear Power Plant unit 1 in April 1978, Korea has achieved rapid growth in its nuclear industry, and now has 20 operating nuclear power plants. As the design life of Kori unit 1 comes to an end, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.(KHNP) is preparing for the continued operation of the plant for the first time in Korea. The feasibility of continued operation beyond design life has been already proven in many countries. Developed countries, such as the USA, England, Japan and so on, are also proceeding with the continued operation of NPPs whose design life or license is due to expire, as long as the adequate safety and aging management review meet the acceptance criteria. Continued operation is absolutely needed for countries lacking in natural resources, such as Korea, in view of the efficient utilization of energy resources and reduction of greenhouse gases (CO2) emission. For the continued operation beyond design life (30 yrs) of Kori unit 1, KHNP has performed Lifetime Management (PLiM) study, Periodic Safety Review (PSR), Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) and Environmental Qualification (EQ), etc. and replaced main equipment, such as Steam Generators, Low Pressure Turbine Rotor, RCP Internals, Main Transformer, Main Generator, and so on. In September 2005, The Regulation of Atomic Energy Act in Korea was revised and published referring to License Renewal Rule of the USA. According to the revised regulations, KHNP is performing Life Assessment for Main Systems, Structures and Components (SSCs) and Radiological Impacts on the Environment with PSR for continued operation. (authors)