Current status on the nuclear back-end fuel cycle R&D in Korea

Nuclear energy in Korea has provided a stable and economical supply of electricity since its first commercial implementation in 1978. Presently, 20 nuclear reactors are in operation, four are under construction, and by 2017, a total of 28 nuclear reactors will be in operation with a nuclear share of 46.7%. An active nuclear energy program is the key to a sustainable economic growth while preserving the natural environment. Unfortunately, an active nuclear program also generates inevitable byproducts, such as low-level radioactive wastes and spent nuclear fuel (SNF). Therefore, a reliable and effective management of this radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel in association with the introduction of next generation GEN-IV reactors has become an important challenge to nuclear energy. Korean nuclear industries, R&D institutes, and regulatory bodies with strong support from the Government are working hard to overcome this challenge.