Standards proposed by Korea for the dismantlement of nuclear power plants are set to be the world's first of their kind. Shown is Kori Unit 1, the nation's first commercial nuclear power plant, undergoing the decommissioning process after 40 years of operation in the town of Jangan-eup in Busan's Gijang-gun County. (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power) 

By Margareth Theresia

A global standard proposed by Korea for the dismantlement of nuclear power plants is set to be adopted as the world criterion.

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on May 18 said a nuclear power plant decommissioning standard proposed by Korea to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in June 2023 was approved as a new work item proposal after undergoing deliberation at the ISO's TC 85, or technical committee for nuclear energy and technologies and radiological protection.

This standard was approved with affirmative votes from nine member states including the U.S., China and Japan. It contains general requirements applicable to the entire decommissioning process, from the definition of basic terminology to planning, execution and management.

As project leader, Korea will lead the process of setting international standards. To this end, the procedures for gathering opinions from countries began on May 19 under the goal of enacting international standards by December next year.

KATS will sequentially develop nine types of global standards for specific technologies including radioactive decontamination of facilities and components required for the decommissioning process, demolition, waste management and site restoration.

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency will also help set standards to raise alignment with nuclear safety standards abroad.

KATS said international standards led by Korea will serve as global benchmarks for the global industry for decommissioning nuclear plants and contribute to boosting the global competitiveness of Korean companies.

margareth@korea.kr