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On April 10, 2023, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) of South Korea announced the successful completion of nine critical inspections, a prerequisite for the initial criticality of the Saeul Unit 3 reactor. This pivotal achievement laid the groundwork for the subsequent phases of the reactor’s commissioning and set the stage for its eventual contribution to South Korea’s energy landscape.
Just two days later, on April 12, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) reported that the reactor had successfully entered the “first start” phase, achieving initial criticality. This moment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of nuclear power in South Korea, highlighting the government’s commitment to a robust energy strategy that encompasses both safety and reliability in electricity generation.
KHNP has indicated that output from the unit will be incrementally increased over the next six months. The plan is to verify the final performance and safety of the reactor before it commences commercial operation, which is anticipated to be at full output by the latter half of 2023. Once operational, Saeul Unit 3 is projected to supply approximately 1.7% of South Korea’s total power generation, catering to 37% of the electricity demand in Ulsan, an urban center known for its industrial activities.
A KHNP representative emphasized the rigorous nature of the start-up process, stating, “The initial start-up is a preparatory phase prior to full-scale electricity production, and test operations will proceed in accordance with strict standards and procedures.” The assurance of a safety-first approach during the entire process is not just a regulatory obligation but a fundamental principle guiding nuclear operations in the country, particularly in light of historical contexts that have shaped public perception of nuclear energy.
The journey of the Saeul units dates back to January 2014 when the South Korean government authorized the construction of two Advanced Power Reactor 1400 (APR1400) units, named Saeul 3 and 4 (previously referred to as Shin Kori 5 and 6). Initially slated for construction to begin in September 2014, the timeline encountered several delays. After a protracted licensure process, which culminated in the NSSC issuing a construction permit in June 2016, on-site work began, with formal construction of Unit 3 commencing in April 2017.
However, this timeline was further complicated by a change in government in June 2017, resulting in a temporary suspension of construction by KHNP. By October of that year, a government-established committee voted in favor of resuming construction, with 59.5% of members stating stability of power supply as a significant factor influencing their decision.
Despite these challenges, progress was made, and by September 2018, the construction of Unit 4 commenced. Originally, commercial operation for the two units was scheduled for March 2021 and March 2022, respectively. The operational license for Saeul 3 was eventually granted by the NSSC in late December 2025, following which fuel loading and an extensive testing phase lasting approximately eight months were to ensue.
South Korea currently operates four APR1400 units, with two already online at the Saeul facility: Unit 1 and Unit 2, which began commercial operations in December 2016 and August 2019, respectively. The newest entrants to the operational roster, Shin Hanul Units 1 and 2, went live in December 2021 and are expected to reach commercial status in April 2024. Notably, four APR1400 units have also been constructed at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, all of which are currently operational, showcasing the potential of South Korean expertise in nuclear technology on a global scale.
The ongoing developments surrounding Saeul Unit 3 not only underscore South Korea’s strategic orientation toward nuclear energy but also reflect broader trends in the region where energy security and diversification remain pivotal. As nations grapple with challenges posed by climate change and resource scarcity, the role of nuclear power continues to be a subject of intense discussion and evolving policy frameworks.
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