Hira Bashir
South Korea is taking decisive steps to secure its energy future and meet its climate commitments. The country recently confirmed plans to construct two new large nuclear reactors by 2038, alongside a 700 MW Small Modular Reactor (SMR), under its 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand. This development reflects the nation’s aim to increase the share of carbon-free energy from 40% today to 70% by 2038, with nuclear power playing a central role in achieving these goals.
South Korea is a major importer of energy, with about 85% of its primary energy consumption derived from fossil fuels. Limited domestic resources mean that 98% of these fuels are imported making the country highly dependent on external energy sources. Rising domestic electricity demand projected to grow by 1.8% annually due to the expansion of electric vehicles and AI-driven industries emphasizes the need for a stable and low-carbon energy supply. Nuclear power which currently provides about one-third of the country’s electricity through 26 reactors, offers a reliable and cost-effective solution. By 2038, nuclear generation is expected to grow from 180.5 TWh to 248.3 TWh, increasing its share of the energy mix from 30.7% to 35.2%.
The urgency of this nuclear transition is further highlighted by climate change. A recent attribution study concluded that human caused warming doubled the likelihood of the hot, dry, and windy conditions that fueled South Korea’s deadliest wildfires. In March 2026, multiple areas in southeastern South Korea experienced wildfires across 104,000 hectares destroying 5,000 buildings and killing at least 32 people. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, nuclear energy directly mitigates the greenhouse gas emissions that intensify such climate risks.
South Korea’s nuclear policy has evolved through shifting political priorities. Under President Moon Jae-in (2017–2022), a gradual nuclear phase-out was pursued, while public and expert support for nuclear energy remained strong. Scientists, conservationists, and university professors called for the continuation of nuclear projects to ensure affordable and low-carbon energy. President Yoon Suk-yeol (2022–2025) reversed the phase-out, emphasizing domestic and export nuclear initiatives with nuclear targeted to account for at least 30% of the energy mix by 2030. The current administration led by President Lee Jae-myung, confirmed the construction of two new reactors following public support exceeding 80%, demonstrating broad consensus for nuclear energy as a sustainable solution.
The country operates one of the world’s most advanced reactor fleets, including APR-1400 units (Saeul 1&2, Shin Hanul 1&2), OPR-1000 reactors (Hanbit, Hanul, Shin Kori, Shin Wolsong), and CANDU 6 units at Wolsong. New construction, such as Shin Hanul 3&4, continues despite past suspensions, showing resilience in nuclear planning and regulatory oversight. Capacity is projected to rise from 24.7 GWe in 2023 to 35.2 GWe by 2038, meeting domestic energy needs while reinforcing low-carbon generation.
A Model for the Region
South Korea’s nuclear strategy provides an important example for other Asia-Pacific countries facing similar energy and climate challenges. Nations like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia which are developing their first nuclear programs can draw lessons from South Korea’s experience combining nuclear with renewables these countries can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels achieve carbon reduction targets and enhance energy security while mitigating climate-driven disasters like wildfires.
Furthermore, South Korea’s approach demonstrates how advanced reactors and SMRs can be safely integrated into national grids. This provides opportunities for technology transfer, regional cooperation, and shared best practices. Collaborative projects, nuclear engineering services, and knowledge exchange can strengthen regional energy resilience, lower electricity price volatility, and drive economic and trade benefits.
South Korea’s expansion of nuclear energy shows that low-carbon, reliable, and safe power generation is achievable domestically and can serve as a blueprint for neighboring countries striving to decarbonize without compromising energy security. As extreme weather events worsened by fossil fuel emissions become more frequent replicating South Korea’s model offers a pathway to safeguard communities, stabilize energy supply and accelerate the transition toward sustainable development.
By maintaining public confidence ensuring environmental protection, and integrating nuclear with renewable energy South Korea sets a benchmark for clean energy transformation. Its experience demonstrates that nuclear power is more than electricity it is a strategic tool for climate resilience, regional cooperation, and long-term sustainable growth.
Hira Bashir is an Associate Research Officer at the Center for International Strategic Studies, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Her research focuses on the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. She can be reached on X at @HiraBK5090.
