Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP), the country’s operator of nuclear reactors, Tuesday said it will up the anti-seismic strength of key facilities for two new nuclear reactors under construction to a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. It will also study using an artificial intelligence robot to inspect high-radioactive areas dangerous or inaccessible to humans to ensure workers’ safety.

The plan was made after a state commission composing of citizens recommended resuming the stalled construction the Shin Kori-5 and Shin Kori-6 reactors near the southeastern city of Ulsan despite President Moon Jae-in’s campaign promise to scrap the projects to phase out nuclear power. But the panel called for measures to ensure safer operations of the reactors after construction.

The government has been on track to increase the anti-seismic strength of 24 running nuclear reactors across Korea from 6.5 to 7.0 levels, but the latest plan shows its will to further enhance safety performance in the construction of the two new nuclear reactors exceptionally.

A KHNP official said the two new nuclear reactors will be built with the world’s highest safety level to dispel any safety concerns.

By Ko Jae-man and Minu Kim

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