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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Nuclear power plant operating performance in Korea

Conference · · Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5549895

The Republic of Korea does not have sufficient energy resources to meet the rapid growth of its national economy. Coal, which has been the most important domestic energy source, is limited, and neither oil nor natural gas resources has been found. The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) took an ambitious stem toward a nuclear power generation program. Since the start of commercial operation of Korea Nuclear Unit 1 (KNU-1) in 1978, the number of nuclear power plants has increased to three units with an output of 1961 MW(e). The capacity of these three operating nuclear units accounts for 13.5% of the total installed electric capacity in Korea. The average capacity factor in 1984 of the three current units reached 70.1% and is expected to be >73.5% in the 1985. The capacity factor of Korea Nuclear Unit 2 was especially high, with 214 days of continuous full-power operation recorded early this year. This excellent performance is considered to be the result of strict quality assurance activities and KNU-1 experience. KEPCO has recently established long- and short-term plans to improve the availability and capacity factors of the nuclear power plants. Emphasis is focused on the reduction of forced outages, shortening of the overhaul period, and extension of the operating cycle.

Research Organization:
Korea Electric Power Corp., Seoul
OSTI ID:
5549895
Report Number(s):
CONF-851115-
Journal Information:
Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 50; ISSN TANSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English