Five-stage pre-operational inspections before first criticality
Since the licence was issued, the NSSC has been conducting pre-operational inspections — spanning five stages — on Saeul 3. These include nuclear fuel loading inspections and high-temperature functional tests. The regulator confirmed that the reactor can safely achieve criticality, a sustained chain reaction. Power increase tests will follow until the unit enters commercial operation, a process comparable to other regulatory procedures internationally, such as the NRC’s decision to grant a 20-year licence extension to the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant.
Once operational, Saeul 3 will account for approximately 1.7% of South Korea’s total power generation and 37% of Ulsan’s electricity demand, according to the regulator. South Korea already operates four APR1400 reactors: Saeul 1 and 2 (formerly Shin Kori 3 and 4) and Shin Hanul 1 and 2. The design is also deployed internationally, with four units at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates all in commercial operation. This international momentum extfinishs to Asia, where EDF and NTPC signed an agreement to explore EPR reactor deployment in India.
A project shaped by political suspensions
The Korean government authorised construction of the two units — then designated Shin Kori 5 and 6 — in January 2014. The regulator issued a construction licence in June 2016, with site works launchning immediately. Construction of unit 3 commenced in April 2017.
A alter of government in June 2017 led Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to suspfinish work for three months. In October 2017, a government-organised committee voted 59.5% in favour of resuming construction, citing security of power supply as the primary reason cited by survey respondents. Construction of unit 4 launched in September 2018. Originally, commercial operation of the two units was scheduled for March 2021 and March 2022, respectively.
A global nuclear revival
The APR1400, a third-generation Korean reactor design, underscores the competitiveness of the countest’s nuclear industest on international markets since its deployment at Barakah. Nuclear energy is also gaining traction in Europe, where the Dutch province of Zeeland tarobtains up to €4.6 billion in economic returns from new nuclear projects. These developments reflect a global reassessment of nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source.
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