S. Korea to Build 2 New Nuclear Reactors by 2038

South Korea will construct two new nuclear reactors by 2038 at the latest, reaffirming its long-term commitment to nuclear energy as part of a broader strategy to cut carbon emissions and meet rising electricity demand, the climate minister said on Monday.

Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan confirmed that the government will proceed with the plan outlined under the previous administration, as he presented details of the forthcoming 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, which will guide national energy policy from 2026 to 2040.

Under the plan, the government will complete the necessary administrative and regulatory procedures to build two large-scale nuclear reactors between 2037 and 2038, in line with the earlier 11th power supply framework. Kim said the move reflects strong public backing and the urgent need to decarbonize the energy sector.

“To respond to climate change, carbon emissions must be reduced across all sectors,” Kim said, adding that cutting emissions from power generation requires a gradual reduction in coal and liquefied natural gas. He stressed that future power system operations must be centered on renewable energy and nuclear power.

Public support for nuclear energy remains high. Two government commissioned opinion polls released last week showed that about 80 percent of respondents believe nuclear power is necessary, while roughly 60 percent support the construction of additional reactors.

The state run utility Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power is expected to begin a bidding process by 2027 to select host cities or towns for the new reactors. The company aims to secure approval from the national nuclear safety regulator by 2031, allowing construction to be completed within the 2037–2038 timeframe.

Kim said the upcoming 12th electricity plan will also address surging power demand driven by the rapid expansion of the artificial intelligence sector and the growing adoption of electric vehicles. In addition, it will set out an updated energy mix designed to help South Korea achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.