South Korea’s nuclear regulator has approved the start of operations at the Saeul-3 nuclear power plant near Busan in the south of the country.

Construction of the indigenous 1,340-MW APR1400 pressurised water reactor unit at the Saeul nuclear station, formerly known as Shin-Kori, began in April 2017, but has been delayed by changes in government policy. It has not yet reached first criticality.

Reports in South Korea said the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) voted on 30 December to approve the operation licence with five in favour and one against.