Hyundai to supply South Korea’s Shin Hanul nuclear plant

The consortium led by Hyundai Engineering & Construction has been selected by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) as the supplier for construction of the main equipment for Units 3 and 4 of the Shin Hanul nuclear power plant. The winning bid from the Hyundai E&C, Doosan Enerbility and Posco E&C consortium passed a “comprehensive review and approval process.” The contract is worth KRW 3.1 trillion (CZK 52.8 billion).

Construction of the main equipment includes architectural, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical work. It also covers the installation of piping and instrumentation for the plant’s main equipment, including commissioning.

Project planning and political changes

In November 2014, KHNP signed an agreement with Uljin County to build Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4. In January 2016, the company applied for construction permits for the units. Preparatory work on both reactors was originally scheduled to begin in May 2017, with Unit 3 due to enter commercial operation in December 2022 and Unit 4 a year later.

In May 2017, KHNP announced that it had ordered Kepco Engineering & Construction, which had signed a design contract in March 2016, to suspend work on the planned units because of then-President Moon Jae-in’s policy of gradually phasing out nuclear power in the country. However, work to obtain licences for the new units was to continue.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office in May 2022, reversed the policy of his predecessor, Moon Jae-in. In July last year, Yoon backed the rapid restoration of South Korea’s “nuclear power plant ecosystem” after Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Lee Chang-yang presented plans to revitalise the country’s nuclear industry, including a target of resuming work on Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 as soon as possible.

Current plan for the Shin Hanul project

In March this year, KHNP and Doosan Enerbility signed a contract worth KRW 2.9 trillion (CZK 49.4 billion) to supply the main components for Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4. The 10-year contract covers the supply of nuclear reactors, steam generators and turbine generators for both APR1400 units. Production of the main components for Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 began in May this year.

After the South Korean government approved the project implementation plan in June this year, preparatory work began on building both APR1400 reactors. This work includes not only construction activities but also comprehensive coordination of all aspects of the project.

Construction of the new nuclear units is scheduled to begin in April next year, when the construction permit is expected to be issued. Shin Hanul Unit 3 is scheduled for completion in 2032 and Unit 4 in 2033. The schedule reflects not only the technical aspects of the project but also the dynamic evolution of South Korea’s energy policy.

The Shin Hanul 3 and 4 project represents a key step in the development of South Korea’s nuclear power sector. With renewed political will and increased investment in nuclear power, the project is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s energy independence and sustainability.