APR-1400

APR-1400 (Advanced Power Reactor 1400) is a type of nuclear power plant developed by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). It is a third-generation, pressurized water reactor (PWR) design, which is an evolution of the earlier OPR-1000 design. The APR-1400 is designed to generate 1400 MWe of electricity, which is significantly more than the OPR-1000's 1000 MWe.

Design and Features

The APR-1400 design incorporates several safety features, including a core catcher to contain molten fuel in the event of a severe accident, and a passive auxiliary feedwater system. It also includes a digital instrumentation and control system, which is a significant upgrade from the analog systems used in older reactors.

The reactor's design life is 60 years, with a cycle length of 18 months. The APR-1400 is designed to withstand a 6.5 magnitude earthquake and a 10,000-year flood event.

Development and Deployment

The development of the APR-1400 began in 1992, with the aim of creating a standardized design for use in South Korea and for export. The first APR-1400, Shin Kori 3, began commercial operation in December 2016.

As of 2021, there are four APR-1400 reactors in operation in South Korea, with several more under construction or planned. The APR-1400 has also been exported to the United Arab Emirates, where four units are under construction at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.

Safety and Performance

The APR-1400 has been certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of the United States, indicating that it meets stringent safety standards. The reactor's performance has been generally good, with high capacity factors and low forced outage rates.

Future Developments

KEPCO is developing an upgraded version of the APR-1400, known as the APR+ (Advanced Power Reactor Plus). This design includes additional safety features and is intended to be more competitive in the international market.