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South Korea Approves First New Nuclear Reactor in Two Years

12/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 30, 2025, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission approved Saeul No. 3 in Ulsan.
The 1,400-megawatt unit has been under construction since 2016 and will have a six-month pilot.
This is the first new reactor approval in two years amid a government reassessment of nuclear energy.
President Lee Jae Myung aims to reach 30% renewable energy by 2035 and support nuclear facilities to reduce imported coal and gas.

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Story summary

On December 30, 2025, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission approved Saeul No. 3 in Ulsan.
The 1,400-megawatt unit has been under construction since 2016 and will have a six-month pilot.
This is the first new reactor approval in two years amid a government reassessment of nuclear energy.
President Lee Jae Myung aims to reach 30% renewable energy by 2035 and support nuclear facilities to reduce imported coal and gas.