Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has selected a consortium led by Hyundai Engineering & Construction for the construction of the main facilities at units 3&4 of the Shin Hanul NPP. The consortium comprises Hyundai E&C, Doosan Enerbility and Posco E&C. The contract is worth KRW3,100bn ($2.3bn) and covers installation and commissioning of civil engineering, architecture, machinery, electricity, piping, and measurement for the major plant facilities. Construction of the units is expected to begin in April 2024 after a construction permit is issued. Unit 3 is scheduled to be completed by 2032, and unit 4 by 2033.
Shin Hanul 3&4 have faced a number of delays. KHNP signed an agreement with Ulchin County to build the units in 2014 and applied for a construction licence in January 2016. Kepco Engineering & Construction signed a design contract in March 2016. Site preparation was expected to start in May 2017 for commercial operation of unit 3 in December 2022 and unit 4 a year later.
However, KHNP suspended work in 2017 in line with the policy of President Moon Jae-in to phase out nuclear power. The policy was reversed by President Yoon Suk-yeol in 2022 and Minister of Trade, Industry & Energy Lee Chang-yang drew up plans to reboot South Korea's nuclear power industry, with construction of Shin Hanul 3&4 expected to start in 2024.
In March KHNP and Doosan Enerbility signed a 10-year KRW2,900bn contract for the supply of the main equipment for the two APR1400 units. Doosan Enerbility will supply the nuclear reactors, steam generators and turbine generators and a ceremony to mark the start of production was held in November. Preparatory groundwork for the construction began after the government approved the project in June.
Image: Artist's impression of Shin Hanul 3 and 4 (courtesy of KHNP)
