As public concern over the safety of existing operating NPPs increased, the Korean Government introduced a bill of periodic safety review (PSR) in January, 2001, with an aim to establish an integrated and comprehensive safety review in addition to the existing safety review and inspection required for operating nuclear power plants. Subsequently, provisions for continued operation beyond design life time were addressed under the framework of PSR in September, 2005. According to Atomic Energy Act, The first PSRs of operating NPPs which are being operated over 10 years after the commencement of their commercial operation have been successfully implemented in Korea. It was found that PSR implementation improved the safety of operating NPPs by identifying and remedying weaknesses in the design and operation, applying good operating practices and research findings, evaluating and managing cumulative and managing aging effects. Among 11 safety factors of PSR, safety analysis, aging management, and use of operational experience and of research findings were mainly influenced by the cumulative effects of aging, technical development and siting aspects. Incorporation of the approval for the continued operation of a NPP into PSR system resulted in substantial safety improvement for old NPPs, and provided benefit to both of a NPP operator and the regulatory body. PSR implementation enhanced the effectiveness of Korean Severe Accident Policy, and improved regulatory consistency for various types of reactor designs. Considering the roles of PSA in assessing the safety of a NPP, it is worthwhile to include PSA in PSR as a safety factor.
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