By Akira Nakano | AjwAsahi
A nuclear reactor in South Korea’s southwestern Jeollanam-do province automatically shut down July 30, but officials said there was no possibility of radiation leaks.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., operator of the Yeonggwang nuclear power plant, said it was investigating the cause of the problem at the No. 6 reactor.
Officials said they suspected a defect in the electrical system for moving control rods to suppress nuclear fission. They said safety was not an issue. But environmental groups clamored for a thorough investigation.
“Control rods are a core part of a nuclear plant,” said Lee Heon-seok, who leads a group called Energy Justice Actions. “The accident gives cause for serious concern, given the possibility that the control rods did not move when the decision was made to suppress nuclear fission.”
In March, it emerged that officials tried to cover up a loss of all power sources at the No. 1 reactor of the Kori nuclear power plant in Busan. The government, citing an increase in power demand, plans to restart the Kori No. 1 reactor in early August.
It said it had confirmed the plant can operate safely. However, local residents and the opposition camp are demanding the facility be decommissioned.
© Copyright 2012 Asahi Shimbun and AJW - Published at Set You Free News with license
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