South Korea‘s government has announced a significant step forward in its energy strategy, focusing on nuclear power as a cornerstone for future electricity generation. Climate, Energy & Environment Minister Kim Sung-hwan announced the country’s commitment to the 11th Basic Power Supply Plan. This blueprint includes the building of some two-dozen mega nuclear reactors. These reactors will provide a massive, combined output of 2,800 megawatt-electric (MWe). They’re currently under construction and slated for completion by 2037 and 2038.
The initiative reflects a broader strategy to shift the country’s energy mix toward nuclear and renewable sources while phasing out coal. This step takes place against a backdrop of powerful public support for nuclear energy, illustrated by a poll of nationwide registered voters in January. To understand the public’s opinion, the Ministry commissioned a survey, which was performed by Gallup Korea and Realmeter. It uncovered that 89.5% of survey respondents think that nuclear power is crucial to the country’s energy future.
Details of the 11th Basic Power Supply Plan
Together with several other key legislative efforts, the 11th Basic Power Supply Plan marks a significant turning point in South Korea’s energy landscape. The plan calls for one pair of large-scale reactors. It further envisions deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) totaling 700 MWe in 2035.
According to Minister Kim Sung-hwan, the government aims to secure sites for these reactors “in a timely manner, based on government direction and public opinion.” The large-scale reactors would see main building foundation excavation and first concrete poured in 2031. Simultaneously, licensing procedures—including environmental impact assessments—will be completed, with construction permits expected in the early 2030s.
The new National Assembly faces a complicated reality in South Korea with 26 operational reactors that produce about one-third of the country’s electricity. More troubling still, the 11th Basic Plan forecasts a major increase in nuclear power generation. According to EIA, output will increase from 180.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023 to 248.3 TWh by 2038, with nuclear share increasing from 30.7% to 35.2%.
Public Support for Nuclear Energy
The recent polling results are exciting and demonstrate clear public support for nuclear energy projects. Approximately 69.6% of surveyed individuals expressed support for proceeding with the reactor construction plan outlined in the 11th Basic Power Supply Plan.
This positive public endorsement would be significant as South Korea continues the contentious path to its own energy transition. Minister Kim emphasized the challenges of relying solely on renewable energy due to the country’s isolated power grid, stating, “While it would be ideal to rely entirely on renewable energy, Korea’s reality as an isolated power grid makes that extremely difficult.” This feeling is echoed in the widely held belief that a healthy energy economy requires a diverse energy portfolio that includes nuclear and renewables alike.
Future Outlook and the 12th Basic Plan
In parallel to these new changes, South Korea is halfway through the development of its 12th Basic Plan. This soon-to-be-released plan will provide new, long-term forecasts for electricity demand, including the effects of emerging technologies such as AI and EVs.
The 12th Basic Plan will have to present an overall direction of energy mix. It will provide a definitive accounting of how much each source, especially nuclear and renewables, are going to contribute. Meanwhile, South Korea continues to soldier on towards its incredibly ambitious legislative targets. It aims to improve energy security while addressing the negative environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels.