The reactivation of the suspended nuclear reactors will take longer than the four months predicted by the government, elevating concerns about the nation’s electricity shortage, according to nuclear experts.

The Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety recently reviewed the inspection period for the suspended Shin-Wolsong Reactor 1, extending it by two months from early August to mid-October, according to officials.

The 1 million-kilowatt reactor was suspended late last month after it was revealed that a private safety inspection firm forged the quality certificate on the control cables.

This new timeline came against the announcement of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which had pledged to normalize the corresponding facility by mid-September.

In addition to reviewing and replacing the cables, the KINS also decided to implement functional tests on other key parts, such as the turbine generators, radiation sensors and emergency alarm systems, officials said.

Considering that additional repair processes may be needed, depending on the test results, the reactivation of the reactor is likely to take place in November or later.

Once a nuclear facility has been suspended or shut down for technical faults, it must receive the approval of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission and the local community in order to reopen.

In the case of the Shin-Kori reactors 1 and 2, the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corporation demanded that the KINS finish the safety inspection by early October, officials said.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)