Korean Nuclear Power Plants All Stop in 4 Years?! The Reality of a 72 Trillion Won Disaster

Summary

Kim Hyung-won, Chairman of the High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee, warns that Korean nuclear plants may be forced to shut down by 2030 because spent fuel storage pools reach capacity. The government has reserved 72 trillion won for interim and permanent disposal facilities, with permanent storage targeted before 2060. No country yet operates a permanent facility; Finland is closest. The committee will begin site selection next year, and success depends on transparent dialogue and community incentives.

• Spent nuclear fuel storage pools at Korean plants will be full between 2030 and 2032, threatening forced shutdowns if interim storage is not built.
• Korea has accumulated about 20,000 tons of heavy metal in spent fuel, stored on-site in water pools nearing capacity.
• The government has earmarked 72 trillion won for high-level waste management; the permanent underground facility is targeted for completion before 2060.
• No country has yet operated a permanent high-level waste disposal facility; Finland is nearing completion, and France and Sweden have secured sites.
• The committee aims to start site selection in 2026 after excluding geologically unsuitable areas, with incentives for host communities.
• Past attempts to site waste facilities failed; the new special law provides a framework and mandates respect, transparency, and community veto rights.
• Successful consensus on this issue could set a global standard and enhance Korea's nuclear industry standing.