Hanul Nuclear Power Plant
One of the largest power plants in South Korea
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1988, Hanul Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power plant located in South Korea with an installed capacity of 5.9 GW. It is operated by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in South Korea.
Why It Matters
Hanul Nuclear Power Plant is a major source of low-carbon baseload electricity for South Korea, producing enough power for roughly 4.5 million US-equivalent households per year. Nuclear plants like this one operate at very high capacity factors (~90%), meaning they generate near their full nameplate capacity around the clock—a profile that complements variable renewables like wind and solar.
Environmental Impact
Compared to a coal-fired plant of the same output, Hanul Nuclear Power Plant prevents approximately 45.4 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Nuclear plants do produce radioactive waste, but the volume is small (a single household's lifetime nuclear waste fits in a soda can) and storage technology has improved significantly over the past 40 years.
Fun Facts
- One of the 10 largest power plants in South Korea.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 4.5 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 38 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Hanul Nuclear Power Plant produce?▾
Hanul Nuclear Power Plant has an installed nameplate capacity of 5.9 GW. At typical capacity factors for nuclear plants (~92%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 4.5 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Hanul Nuclear Power Plant located?▾
Hanul Nuclear Power Plant is located in South Korea at approximately 37.0928°, 129.3833°.
When was Hanul Nuclear Power Plant built?▾
Hanul Nuclear Power Plant was commissioned in 1988.
Who owns Hanul Nuclear Power Plant?▾
Hanul Nuclear Power Plant is owned and operated by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
About Nuclear Power
Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate heat, which produces steam to drive turbines. They provide reliable baseload power with virtually no direct carbon emissions, though they produce radioactive waste.
Other Nuclear Power Plants in South Korea
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Kori Nuclear Power Plant | 6.2 GW | Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power |
| ⚡Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant | 5.9 GW | Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.