South Korea Approves Operation of Saeul No. 3 Nuclear Reactor

On December 30, 2025, South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission approved the operation of the Saeul No. 3 nuclear reactor, which has been under construction since 2016. This reactor, located in Ulsan, is designed to produce 1,400 megawatts of electricity and will undergo a six-month pilot run before commencing full operations. The decision marks the first approval for a new nuclear reactor in South Korea in approximately two years.

The HinduSouth Korea preparing to launch new nuclear reactorCityLab

Nuclear energy plays a significant role in South Korea's energy landscape, contributing 31.7% of the country's electricity generation in 2024. The nation operates 26 nuclear reactors, with three additional units currently under construction. The Saeul No. 3 reactor is notable for its advanced safety features, including walls designed to withstand aircraft attacks and a spent nuclear fuel storage capacity sufficient for 60 years.

The HinduCityLabSouth Korea preparing to launch new nuclear reactor

The approval of Saeul No. 3 occurs amid a broader reassessment of South Korea's energy policy under President Lee Jae Myung, who has emphasized a shift towards renewable energy. The government aims to increase the share of renewables in electricity generation to at least 30% by 2035, up from 9% last year. Despite this shift, the current administration recognizes the necessity of utilizing existing nuclear infrastructure to reduce dependence on imported coal and gas.

CityLab

Choi Won-ho, chairperson of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, stated, "In accordance with legal procedures and on scientific and technological grounds, we have thoroughly inspected the safety of the Saeul-3." He assured that safety checks would continue throughout the pilot run and nuclear fuel loading process. The approval followed a delay in the commission's initial decision, reflecting a careful consideration of safety protocols.

South Korea preparing to launch new nuclear reactor

While the approval has been framed as a necessary step for energy security, it has faced criticism from environmental groups and advocates for renewable energy. Critics argue that the focus on nuclear energy contradicts the government's commitment to a sustainable energy future. They express concerns about the long-term implications of nuclear energy, particularly regarding safety and waste management.

CityLab

There are discrepancies regarding the timeline for the reactor's full operational capacity. While the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission has outlined a six-month pilot run, the exact date for the commencement of commercial operations remains uncertain. Additionally, the political landscape surrounding nuclear energy continues to evolve, with ongoing debates about the balance between nuclear and renewable energy sources.

The Hindu

Following the pilot run, the Saeul No. 3 reactor is expected to begin commercial operations in 2026, contributing to South Korea's energy mix while the government navigates its dual commitment to nuclear and renewable energy sources. The ongoing developments in energy policy will likely influence future approvals and the overall direction of South Korea's energy strategy.

CityLab