Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan announced on January 26 that South Korea will construct two new nuclear reactors by 2038 at the latest, reflecting public support amid growing demand for clean energy. This is part of the 12th basic plan for electricity supply and demand covering 2026-2040, continuing the previous administration's initiative to address climate change through carbon emission reductions.
Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan announced during a press briefing on January 26 the government's intention to complete the construction of two large-scale nuclear reactors between 2037 and 2038, as outlined in the 11th basic plan from the previous administration. This forms part of the envisioned 12th basic plan for electricity supply and demand, spanning 2026 to 2040.
"To respond to climate change, carbon emissions must be reduced across all sectors, and to cut carbon emissions in the energy sector, it is necessary to reduce power generation through coal and liquefied natural gas," Kim told reporters. "Therefore, we need power system operations centered on renewable energy and nuclear power."
Two public opinion polls commissioned by the government last week showed that an average of 80 percent of respondents believe nuclear power is needed, with 60 percent supporting the additional construction plan. The state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) will soon initiate a bidding process to select host cities or towns for the two new reactors by 2027, aiming for approval from the nuclear safety watchdog by 2031 to finish construction by 2038.
The plan addresses rising electricity demand driven by the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) sector and the expansion of electric vehicles. It also incorporates an energy mix policy to help South Korea achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This initiative, building on existing reactors like Saeul-3 and Saeul-4 in Ulsan, underscores a shift toward cleaner energy sources amid public backing.
