NEWS DESK
ISTANBUL: In a bid to make South Korea a global nuclear energy power, its president formally launched the country’s 27th nuclear reactor.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol issued a statement at the opening ceremony which stated that his government would make the nuclear power sector a cornerstone of the country’s exports and that the aim would aid South Korea to become a leader in worldwide nuclear energy power.
According to the president’s office, Yoon was absent from the ceremony due to inclement weather conditions.
The newly launched reactor, Shin Hanul No.1, can generate up to 1,400 MW of power and is located in Uljin. Its construction began in 2010 and ended in 2020.
Launch of operations delayed due to earthquake
According to the Yonhap News Agency, while the reactor’s operations were to start in 2017, it was delayed due to a deadly earthquake in the city of Gyeongju.
By 2030, South Korea aims to generate 30 percent of this required energy from nuclear power plants. At present, 25 reactors are in operation while 3 more are being constructed.
