South Korea's state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) plans to raise its nuclear plants' capacity factor to 89 percent in 2026, the highest in 15 years, to lower electricity rates and meet rising demand, the climate ministry said on January 13. The initiative supplements intermittent renewable energy and ensures stable supply for growing needs in artificial intelligence and semiconductor sectors.
SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- The state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) intends to elevate its nuclear power plants' capacity factor -- the ratio of actual output to total capacity -- to 89 percent in 2026, a 4.4 percentage point increase from 84.6 percent in 2025, according to a policy briefing relayed by the climate ministry.
This target marks the highest utilization rate since 2011, when it reached 90.7 percent. KHNP emphasized that nuclear power serves as a reliable complement to intermittent renewables, ensuring steady electricity amid surging demand from artificial intelligence and semiconductor industries. It also aids in reducing electricity rates.
The company plans to restart the Kori-2 reactor in March, following the nuclear safety watchdog's approval of a 10-year life extension. KHNP will seek extensions for other reactors as well.
On new plant construction, the ministry will conduct a public opinion survey this week.
Separately, the Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) is developing an "energy expressway" along the west coast, with nationwide expansion to follow. This involves high-voltage direct current (HVDC) infrastructure, a next-generation technology that minimizes long-distance transmission losses and facilitates renewable energy integration from diverse sources.
