South Korea is among the world's most prominent nuclear energy countries, and exports its technology widely. Today 26 reactors provide about one-third of South Korea's electricity from 26 GWe of plant.
The UAE has commenced a nuclear power programme. It accepted a bid from a South Korean consortium to build four commercial nuclear power reactors at Barakah, the first of which was grid connected in August 2020.
On 16 August half of Taiwan was affected by a blackout – some 6.6 million households and businesses – after an unplanned shutdown at a gas plant took the country’s fragile electricity system over the edge. Yet the government is standing by its policy of phasing out nuclear by 2025 and using existing reactors as little as possible.
A Citizens’ Jury convened in July to determine the future of two reactor projects in South Korea1 has concluded that construction of Shin Kori units 5 and 6 should continue.
A ceremony has marked the completion of construction of unit 1 at Barakah , the first nuclear power plant to be constructed in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Agneta Rising, Director General of World Nuclear Association said, “This is an important step towards start-up of the first reactor at Barakah. The UAE will soon benefit from the reliable supply of clean electricity that Barakah will produce.”
South Korea’s environmental and energy security goals have been bolstered by the grid connection its new reactor.
There are 25 reactors operating in South Korea, providing more than a quarter of the country's electricity.
There are 26 reactors operating in South Korea, providing more than a quarter of the country's electricity.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), is pursuing continued operation of the first ten units in South Korea.
Sama Bilbao León, Director General, World Nuclear Association gave an opening speech at the 40th anniversary of the Korea Atomic Power Conference to congratulate Korea Nuclear Association, Korean Atomic Industrial Forum and the entire nuclear industry of South Korea on its great achievements in driving its continued growth and leadership.
South Korea maintains a large nuclear fleet. New reactors are under construction and the process to extend the operation of existing plants is underway.