Unit 2 of South Korea’s Shin Hanul NPP has begun commercial operation, according to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). The 1,350 MWe APR-1400 pressurised water reactor reached first criticality and was connected to the grid in December 2023. First concrete for the first two units at the Shin Hanul (formerly Shin Ulchin) took place in 2012 and 2013. Shin Hanul 1 achieved first criticality in 2022 and was connected to the grid in June 2023.
Shin Hanul 2 received an operating licence from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission in September 2023 prior to the loading of 241 fuel assemblies into the reactor's core following an inspection by the regulator. Seven months of commissioning tests were then completed.
Shin Hanul 2 is South Korea's fourth APR1400 to begin operation following Saeul NPP units 1&2 (formerly Shin Kori 3&4) and Shin Hanul 1. Two further APR1400s are being built at Saeul NPP (units 3&4) and two more units are planned for Shin Hanul (units 3&4).
"With the commercial operation of Shin Hanul unit 2, Korea's 28th nuclear power unit, the total number of nuclear power units operating in Korea has increased to 26," KHNP noted. This includes Kori NPP unit 2, which is being prepared for continued operation.
Image: Shin Hanul nuclear power plant in South Korea
