Saeul Unit 3 Cleared for First Criticality After Mandatory Inspections
South Korea’s Nuclear Safety & Security Commission (NSSC) has announced the completion of all mandatory pre-criticality inspections for Unit 3 at the Saeul Nuclear Power Plant in Ulju, Ulsan. This regulatory approval clears the path for the reactor to proceed to its first criticality stage, a significant milestone in the commissioning process. The NSSC confirmed that nine essential inspections, including nuclear fuel loading and high-temperature functional tests, were successfully conducted, verifying that all equipment and functions meet required safety standards. This event marks the first operational permit for a new nuclear reactor in South Korea since Shin Hanul Unit 2 received approval in September 2023. Looking ahead, the commission plans to execute 31 additional follow-up inspections, which will include power ascension tests leading up to commercial operation. Throughout this phase, the NSSC will continuously verify the normal operation of safety systems and strengthen emergency response protocols to ensure immediate readiness for any potential accidents or failures, maintaining safety levels equivalent to those of fully operating nuclear power plants.
Wire timeline
Saeul Unit 3 Cleared for First Criticality After Mandatory Inspections
South Korea’s Nuclear Safety & Security Commission (NSSC) has announced the completion of all mandatory pre-criticality inspections for Unit 3 at the Saeul Nuclear Power Plant in Ulju, Ulsan. This regulatory approval clears the path for the reactor to proceed to its first criticality stage, a significant milestone in the commissioning process. The NSSC confirmed that nine essential inspections, including nuclear fuel loading and high-temperature functional tests, were successfully conducted, verifying that all equipment and functions meet required safety standards. This event marks the first operational permit for a new nuclear reactor in South Korea since Shin Hanul Unit 2 received approval in September 2023. Looking ahead, the commission plans to execute 31 additional follow-up inspections, which will include power ascension tests leading up to commercial operation. Throughout this phase, the NSSC will continuously verify the normal operation of safety systems and strengthen emergency response protocols to ensure immediate readiness for any potential accidents or failures, maintaining safety levels equivalent to those of fully operating nuclear power plants.
Nuclear Engineering International