Analyzing the safety framework for fusion demonstration plants in Korea

• Development of a safety framework for Korea’s fusion demonstration plant (K-DEMO). • Establishes safety definitions, objectives, and fundamental principles for K-DEMO. • Analyzes risk factors, accident scenarios, and proposes a tailored regulatory system. • Comparative analysis of ITER, KSTAR, IAEA, and international safety regulations. • Proposes six regulatory framework alternatives, with short-term and long term recommendation. • Early regulatory engagement suggested to reduce licensing uncertainties for K-DEMO. This paper describes the development of a safety framework for a fusion demonstration plant to be built (K-DEMO) in Korea. The study establishes safety definitions, objectives, and fundamental principles for K-DEMO, analyzes risk factors and accident scenarios, and proposes a tailored regulatory system. It reviews ITER and KSTAR safety cases, IAEA, and international regulations, providing a comparative analysis of safety issues. The study outlines the basic safety direction for K-DEMO, emphasizing unique safety characteristics and objectives. Six regulatory framework alternatives are proposed, from utilizing existing ones to enacting new ones. The short-term recommendation is to use a ‘radiation-generating device’ regulatory framework with revisions, as well as a long-term independent licensing path for commercial fusion reactors. Early regulatory engagement is recommended to reduce licensing uncertainty. This work supports a K-DEMO’s preliminary design and aligns with Korea’s fusion energy development plans, addressing safety issues and reducing uncertainties.