Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-Yang (eighth from left) on Dec. 14 poses for photos with participants at a ceremony to mark the completion of the nuclear reactor Shin Hanul Unit 1 at the Shin Hanul Nuclear Power Plant in Uljin-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)

By Jung Joo-ri

A ceremony on Dec. 14 marked the completion of the nuclear reactor Shin Hanul Unit 1 at the Shin Hanul Nuclear Power Plant in Uljin-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

The new reactor is the first built with domestic technology and know-how including the next-generation nuclear power technology APR1400, reactor coolant pump and main machine interface system.

In a congratulatory speech read by Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-Yang, President Yoon Suk Yeol said, "The government will make the nuclear power industry a pillar of support for Korea's exports and plans to actively back the sector so that the Republic of Korea can again promote its status as a global leader in nuclear power."

"2022 will be remembered as the first year of another big advance by our nuclear power industry." 

Shin Hanul Unit 1 is the country's 27th nuclear plant and began commercial operations on Dec. 7. The facility is expected to generate 10,424 gigawatts per hour (GWH) every year, accounting for about 24% of the 44,258 GWH used in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province last year. 

Minister Lee, who visited the new reactor's main control room after the ceremony, said, "The most important factor in operating a nuclear power plant is safety," emphasizing that safe operations at the facility are a steppingstone to raising public trust and promoting exports of nuclear power plants.

etoilejr@korea.kr