[Breaking] Nuclear Safety and Security Commission Approves Operation of Saeul Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 After 9 Years of Construction

Seoul Nuclear Power Plant Overview. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power

The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission announced on December 30 that it had approved the operation license for Unit 3 of the Saeul Nuclear Power Plant, located in Uljoo, Ulsan, during its 228th meeting. The operation license for Saeul Unit 3 comes nine years after construction began. This is the first new nuclear power plant license in about two years, following the approval of Shin Hanul Unit 2 in September 2023.

The Commission began its review at the 227th meeting on December 19, based on the safety assessment by the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) and the prior review by the Nuclear Safety Expert Committee. At the 228th meeting held on December 30, the Commission confirmed that Saeul Unit 3 meets the operational licensing standards under Article 21 of the Nuclear Safety Act and approved the operation license.

The Commission approved the operation license for Saeul Unit 3 through a vote on December 30. Five out of six members present voted in favor.