Korea's 27th nuclear power plant starts up Wednesday

Shin Hanul unit 1 reactor in Uljin. [YONHAP]

Commercial operation of the Shin Hanul 1 nuclear power plant will start Wednesday ahead of surging winter demand.

The start of Korea's newest nuclear plant symbolizes President Yoon Suk-yeol reversal of his predecessor's attempt to shrink the nation's use of nuclear power.

According to the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) on Tuesday, the plant has been under construction for 12 years.

Shin Hanul 1 has a 1400 megawatt APR 1400 nuclear reactor, the same type that is operating at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates.

Shin Hanul 1 is Korea's 27th nuclear power plant and has a life span of 60 years. After two plants were shut during the previous administration, there are 24 nuclear power plants operating in the country.

Shin Hanul 1 was supposed to start commercial operation in 2017. That was delayed after additional safety measures were called for after an earthquake in nearby Gyeongju.

“By operating Shin Hanul 1, we plan to contribute to the electricity supply in winter,” said Whang Joo-ho, KHNP CEO.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]