Gyeongju City in South Korea Submits Key Requests to Government for Extension of Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant

Gyeongju City, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, stated on September 7 that it has submitted five key pending matters to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, covering nuclear power plants, support facilities for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal, and water supply guarantees for the Hyeongsan River basin.

On the same day, Gyeongju Mayor Joo Nak-young and National Assembly member Kim Seok-ki met with Minister Kim Sung-hwan of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment to explain the importance of the relevant projects to regional development and public welfare, and requested review and support at the central government level.

Regarding support facilities for radioactive waste disposal, Gyeongju City proposed integrating the long-term review projects promised when bidding for the low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal facility into the "Gyeongju Science and Technology City Development Project" to improve project implementation efficiency. Gyeongju City also requested that a working committee meeting be convened promptly to review and approve the project plan change for the 50 billion KRW in regional support funds. If the change is approved, these funds will be primarily used for land acquisition to build a comprehensive sports center to replace the existing outdated municipal stadium.

In the nuclear power sector, Gyeongju City requested expediting the license renewal process for Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Units 2, 3, and 4. These units are heavy water reactors that have approached the end of their design life. Gyeongju City also proposed promoting the construction of commercial Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Gyeongju, leveraging the local nuclear power plants and related research infrastructure.

The meeting also addressed water supply infrastructure expansion. Gyeongju City explained that, due to its location upstream of the Hyeongsan River, local alternative water sources are insufficient, and regional water purification facilities have been operating under high load for an extended period. To alleviate water shortage pressure and improve supply stability, Gyeongju City requested that the expansion of the Gwangyugok Valley water purification plant be incorporated into the national water supply master plan, and that national funding be provided for the renovation and expansion of auxiliary water intake facilities on the Hyeongsan River.

Joo Nak-young stated that Gyeongju City will continue to maintain communication with the government and the National Assembly to promote tangible progress on key projects that affect the livelihoods of citizens and the future development of the region.