BBC:
More than 5000 parts that weren't certified for use in nuclear
power plants were found in two of the reactors at Yeonggwang
Nuclear Power Plant, which prompted the South Korean government
to shut them down. The parts, which cost $750 000, had
been obtained from eight different suppliers since 2003.
Although none of the parts pose immediate safety concerns, the
country's Knowledge Economy Minister Hong Suk-woo said that
comprehensive safety checks are necessary. The result will
likely be unprecedented power shortages for the next several
months, because 35% of the nation's electricity is generated by
its 23 nuclear reactors. This latest development follows
several malfunctions at South Korea's nuclear plants over the
past several months, which have increased opposition to the
government's attempts to expand the industry.
