South Korea’s Climate Ministry has announced its plans to build two new large-scale nuclear reactors by 2038 (Yonhap News Agency, 26/01/2026). According to South Korea’s envisioned 12th basic plan for electricity supply and demand for the 2026-2040 period, the country plans to conduct procedures to complete the construction of two large scale nuclear reactors between 2037-2038. The projects had already been planned under the 11th basic plan, which was finalized in February 2025.
State-owned Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. expects to launch calls for bids for new reactor sites soon, planning to follow with an evaluation and selection procedure with a duration of five to six months. The projects should secure approval from the nuclear regulator by 2031 and complete their construction between 2037 and 2038.
The 12th basic plan for the 2026-2040 period forecasts a higher demand of energy due to the expansion of AI and electric vehicles that it expects to supply through the development of a carbon-neutral energy mix and a decentralized power grid.
According to Enerdata’s Global Energy Research, South Korea has 5 nuclear sites: 7.5 GW Kori, 4.1 GW Wolsong, 5.9 GW Hanbit, 5.9 GW Hanul and 2.8 GW Shin Hanul.
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