South Korea Clears Way for New Nuclear Reactor to Start in 2026

South Korea’s nuclear regulator approved the start of operations at a reactor that’s been under construction for nearly a decade, even as the government reassesses the long-term role of atomic energy.

The green light for the Saeul No. 3 reactor — announced by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission in a statement on Tuesday — is the country’s first such new approval in about two years. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. plans to begin commercial operations next year, after a six-month pilot run, Yonhap News Agency reported.