Shinul-3 nuclear reactor shuts down during test run

The Shinul-3 nuclear reactor, located in Uljin, South Korea, automatically shut down during test operations on the evening of June 11. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) confirmed the shutdown and stated it is conducting a detailed inspection.

The reactor, a new APR1400 model, successfully began its first startup in April after receiving an operating license from the NSSC late last year. It is currently in the process of power ascension testing. The automatic shutdown occurred while the reactor was operating at 80% capacity and undergoing a test that involved shutting off power transmission.

The NSSC assured the public that the reactor is in a safe shutdown state and no radiation anomalies have been detected. An inspection team from the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety Technology (KINS) has been dispatched to the site to investigate the cause of the shutdown and assess the equipment's safety.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) plans to commence commercial operation of Shinul-3 at 100% capacity in the second half of this year. This incident, however, prompts a closer look at the safety protocols and operational readiness of the new reactor.

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Shinul-3 is maintaining a safe shutdown state, and no radiation-related issues have been confirmed.