Government to Proceed with New Nuclear Power Plant Plans as Scheduled... Target Completion by 2037 (Update)

"Power Operations Must Focus on Renewables and Nuclear Power to Reduce Carbon Emissions"

The Lee Jaemyung administration has decided to proceed as planned with the construction of two new nuclear power plants included in the 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand. As a result, local governments are expected to actively compete to attract the new nuclear plants. Site selection is set to be completed within the year, and once the necessary procedures for environmental review, construction, and operation are finalized, the plants could be completed as early as 2037.

Kim Sunghwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, stated at a briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on January 26, "To reduce carbon emissions, we must lower the share of coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) power generation. In particular, for carbon reduction in the power sector, it is necessary to operate the electricity system centered on renewable energy and nuclear power. The construction of new nuclear power plants will proceed as planned."

Previously, the government conducted two policy forums (December 30, 2025, and January 7, 2026) and a public opinion survey (January 12-16) as part of the process to gather social consensus. Notably, the survey found that over 80% of respondents supported the need to expand nuclear power, and more than 60% responded positively to the implementation of the new nuclear power plant plans reflected in the 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand.

The government plans to address the intermittency of renewable energy through energy storage systems (ESS) and pumped-storage hydropower, and to mitigate inflexibility by expanding flexible operation of nuclear power plants. The process of gathering public opinion will also continue in various forms. Minister Kim explained, "In the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, we will scientifically and objectively reflect increased electrification demand due to the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles, the expansion of distributed power grids, and the composition of a carbon-neutral power mix."

The procedures for new nuclear power plant construction have also been outlined in detail. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power will soon begin soliciting candidate sites, followed by an evaluation and selection process lasting about five to six months. After obtaining construction permits in the early 2030s, the goal is to complete construction between 2037 and 2038. The related procedures will proceed in the following order: site selection, licensing, construction, fuel loading and commissioning, and operation approval. A separate small modular reactor (SMR) is expected to be completed by 2035.

Minister Kim stated, "The future power mix based on a combination of nuclear and renewable energy will be key to achieving carbon neutrality. We will ensure that all related procedures proceed without delay."