Choi Won-ho, Chairman of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC), stated regarding the shortage of personnel dedicated to Small Modular Reactor (SMR) related duties that "currently, seven people in a single division are handling it," adding that "personnel equivalent to one division (33 people) is needed."
Choi made these remarks while attending the National Audit on the Ministry of Science and ICT held at the Yeouido National Assembly in Seoul on the 13th, responding to questions from Kim Nam-guk, a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea.
Choi said, "The government is promoting SMR development as a national strategic industry, and since it differs from existing nuclear power plants, capabilities for safe technology development and regulation must also be established in tandem." He added, "The review for standard design approval of innovative SMRs began this year, and preliminary reviews of three reactor types, including non-light water reactors, are expected next year."
Choi pointed out, "The government is accelerating technology development with the goal of commercialization by 2035, yet the work organization responsible for regulation and licensing consists of only seven people." He noted, "Moreover, it is set up as a temporary organization whose term expires at the end of December this year."
Choi answered, "I believe that at least personnel equivalent to one division are needed (for SMR related duties)," while adding, "(There are) realistic limitations on increasing headcount, so next year it will be converted into a formal division and five people will be added. However, it is still insufficient."
in TECH
