South Korea shows signs of being willing to go out on a limb for its energy agenda. To diversify its energy portfolio, it plans to construct two additional nuclear reactors. Until recently, the nation has depended on its 26 existing reactors to provide nearly one-third of the nation’s electricity. Without this crucial initiative, the government’s commitment to phase out coal remains an empty promise. By doing so, it is raising the importance of reliable nuclear and renewable energy sources.
Their roll-out gets complicated. The government plans to triple the current share of nuclear power generation under the 11th Basic Plan. Combined, they’re constructing enough reactors to total 2,800 megawatts electric (MWe)—two of the world’s largest reactors! Contract completion is 2037/2038. As the timeline shows, the first excavation work for the main building foundation will start in 2031. Plus, concrete pouring should get underway soon after.
Nuclear Power’s Role in Energy Strategy
Korea’s Kim Sung-hwan is another key actor in these negotiations. He touted the importance of nuclear power in South Korea’s energy strategy. He continued, “Of course, we would like to depend 100 percent on renewable energy. Because Korea is an isolated power grid, it’s extremely difficult.” This recognition marks a real sea change in the nation’s collective understanding of the work that remains as we build toward a totally renewable energy paradigm.
Under the latest energy plan, nuclear power generation is projected to rise from 180.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023 to approximately 248.3 TWh by 2038. With nuclear energy expected to have an increasingly larger role in our energy mix, it will increase from 30.7% in 2023 to 35.2% in 2038. This realignment is a significant signal of South Korea’s plans to reinforce its nuclear assets as a stable, secure base of energy.
The plan heavily promotes the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). By 2035, we project these reactors to provide a combined capacity of 700 MWe. The government aims to secure sites for both large reactors and SMRs “in a timely manner, based on government direction and public opinion,” as stated by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP).
Regulatory and Construction Timeline
The construction and commissioning of the new reactors is still a subject to lengthy regulatory process. Beyond 2029 licensing procedures, including assessments of environmental and radiological impacts, will be conducted by 2029. After this final design phase, construction permits will be sought in the early 2030’s.
The administration has released a very specific timeline on forthcoming site selection, with the goal of finalizing decisions in five to six months. This thorough, systematic process lays the foundation for a smooth transition into construction. Finally, it ensures that they prioritize responding to public concerns.
After months of protests, new President Lee Jae Myung has begun to delink the energy plan. This shift underscores how vital public input will be in determining what our energy policies look like going forward. Recent surveys revealed that 89.5% of respondents among 3,024 participants believe nuclear power is necessary for South Korea’s energy security.
Future Planning and Expectations
The new 12th Basic Plan will include revised estimates on future electricity demand. This change is being driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the global market for electric vehicles. These advancements will require a different energy mix, which still keeps nuclear at the forefront along with renewables.
Though South Korea grapples with the future of its energy, the dominance of nuclear power seems well-placed as one pillar of its plan. The U.S. federal government has an ambitious timeline but overwhelming public support. It is about time the Administration is prepared to make some real strides in improving its nuclear infrastructure and addressing environmental impacts.