Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 14, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has outlined plans to enhance the cooling systems of its nuclear reactors to address rising seawater temperatures caused by climate change. The company submitted a detailed report to the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission on Thursday, outlining the need for these upgrades to ensure continued safe operation.

The report indicates that increasing seawater temperatures could affect eight nuclear reactors within the next decade if no improvements are made. Seawater is essential for cooling the reactors, with operational temperature limits set between 31 and 36.1 degrees Celsius, depending on the reactor.

Data from the report shows that seawater temperatures near the Shin Wolsong Unit 1 and Unit 2 reactors reached nearly 31 degrees Celsius last year, approaching the 31.5-degree operational ceiling. Without upgrades, these reactors may face operational limitations within six years due to rising temperatures.

KHNP’s proposed enhancements focus on adapting the cooling systems to manage higher seawater temperatures effectively. These upgrades aim to maintain reactor safety and reliability, ensuring uninterrupted power generation under changing environmental conditions.

A KHNP representative stated: “According to the report, the recent climb in seawater temperatures could lead to a halt in eight nuclear reactors in the next ten years unless changes are made.” This underscores the urgency of implementing the planned improvements to safeguard the reactors’ functionality.

The initiative reflects KHNP’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges while supporting South Korea’s energy needs. By modernizing the cooling infrastructure, the company aims to extend the operational life of its nuclear facilities and ensure a stable energy supply for the region.

The upgrades align with efforts to adapt critical infrastructure to climate-related changes. KHNP’s proactive measures emphasize the importance of anticipating and mitigating the effects of rising temperatures to maintain the safety and efficiency of nuclear power generation.

The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission will review KHNP’s proposals to ensure compliance with safety standards and to assess the technical feasibility of the cooling system enhancements. This collaboration highlights the shared commitment to maintaining high safety standards while addressing environmental challenges in South Korea’s nuclear energy sector.