South Korea's fourth APR-1400 reactor begins commercial operation

South Korea's Shin Hanul nuclear power plant has begun commercial operation of its second unit. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) announced the milestone on Monday after a successful seven-month commissioning phase. Shin Hanul 2 is the second APR-1400 reactor at the site, which is planned to house a total of four units of this type.

Shin Hanul 2 received an operating licence from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission at the beginning of September last year. After the licence was granted, the national regulator conducted a preliminary inspection. Between 11 and 18 September, 241 fuel assemblies were loaded into the reactor core. Functional tests of the unit were then carried out at operating temperatures.

Grid connection and commercial operation

The 1350 MWe pressurised water reactor first reached criticality—a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction—on 6 December and was connected to the grid on 21 December last year.

During the unit's seven-month commissioning phase, numerous tests were carried out, including a gradual increase in power and performance tests of the reactor and turbine generator. After they were successfully completed, Shin Hanul 2 was declared ready for commercial operation on 5 April 2024.

Current status and plans for further construction

Construction of the first two reactors at Shin Hanul (formerly Shin Ulchin) began in May 2012. Concrete was poured for the first unit two months later, and work on the second unit began in June 2013. Shin Hanul 1 first reached criticality on 22 May 2022 and was connected to the grid on 9 June that year.

"With Shin Hanul 2 entering commercial operation, making it the 28th reactor unit to be commissioned in Korea, the total number of operating nuclear reactors in the country has risen to 26 (including Kori 2, which is preparing for an operating life extension)," KHNP noted.

Shin Hanul 2 is South Korea's fourth APR-1400 reactor, following Saeul 1 and 2 (formerly Shin Kori 3 and 4) and Shin Hanul 1. Two more APR1400 reactors are under construction as Saeul 3 and 4. Shin Hanul 3 and 4 are also planned.

Four APR-1400 reactors have also been built and are operating at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates.

At a time when countries are facing a growing need to diversify their electricity sources and reduce CO2 emissions, nuclear power is becoming a key part of South Korea's energy strategy. The start of commercial operation at Shin Hanul 2 reaffirms the country's commitment to achieving its environmental and energy goals through nuclear power plants.