The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry presented several proposals to a panel of experts on Tuesday concerning the extension of the operational life of nuclear power plants currently set at 60 years.
Among the proposals is to not include time that a nuclear power plant is shut down, such as for inspection, or to eliminate the maximum operating period. The ministry plans to set the direction of nuclear energy policy, including adopting new rules, by the end of this year.
Under the Law on the Regulation of Nuclear Source Material, Nuclear Fuel Material and Reactors, the operating period of a nuclear power plant is set at 40 years in principle, with a maximum of 60 years. When the 40th year of operation is reached, the Nuclear Regulation Authority can grant a one-time extension of up to 20 years following a detailed safety check of critical facilities such as the reactor vessel.
