Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Nuclear Country Notes

Korea (Republic)

At end-2005, there were 20 nuclear reactors (16 PWRs and 4 PHWRs) in operation, with an aggregate net capacity of 16 810 MWe. Two PWRs (Ulchin-5 and -6) with a total capacity of 1 920 MWe, began commercial operations in November 2004 and August 2005, respectively. Nuclear power makes a substantial contribution to Korea's energy supply, providing nearly 45% of its electricity in 2005.

Six more reactors are planned to be built during the next seven years, with completion dates between 2010 and 2014. Construction of the 960 MWe Shin Kori-1 and -2 PWRs was accorded final approval by the Ministry of Science and Technology on 30 June 2005; these units are planned to come into service in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Work on Shin Wolsong-1 and -2 (also known as Wolsong-5 and -6) got under way in 2006 - they are scheduled to come into operation in 2011 and 2012. Contracts were awarded in August 2006 for the construction of two APR-1400 reactors at the Shin Kori site (Shin Kori-3 and -4), with completion planned for 2013 and 2014.