South Korea prepares energy countermeasures amidst Middle East crisis

The South Korean government has announced plans to ensure its energy security in the case of a prolonged situation in the Middle East due to the US-Iran war (South Korean government,11/03/2026). According to the announcement, the government plans to take three measures: to increase the utilisation rate of existing nuclear power plants, to start flexible operation of coal power generation in the event of LNG disruption, and to expand the supply of renewable energy as a medium to long measure. 

South Korea expects to restart two nuclear units (the Shinwolseong 1 and Gori 2) before the end of March 2026, aiming to restart another four units (Hanbit 6, Hanul 3, and Wolseong 2 and 3) by mid-May 2026, to reach a total of 19 nuclear operating units. The units usually go into maintenance during spring, when there is a lower power demand, hence their restart is still subjected to grid stability and safety of the system. The country has 26 operational nuclear power plants with a combined capacity of 26 GW, of which 15 (16.45 GW) are currently running.

In the case of a disruption of LNG supply and demand, the country is considering the use of coal for flexible power generation. The increase of operating rate of coal power generation would be subjected to periods when the pollution generated would have a lower impact on the environment, with the expectation of expanding air pollution prevention facilities to prevent a sharp increase in fine dust emissions. 

For a medium to long term solution, the government plans to accelerate the implementation of its budget for renewable energy supply and financing projects, to fast-track the commissioning of new facilities and speed up the process of licensing and grid access in coordination with the relevant authorities.