South Korea Selects Candidate Sites for New Nuclear Reactors
Quick Look
- South Korea's state-run KHNP has chosen Yeongdeok for two new large nuclear reactors (2.8GW) and Gijang for a small modular reactor (0.7GW), aiming for completion by 2038.
- This reverses a previous stance against new nuclear construction, driven by rising power demand from AI and clean energy goals.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
South Korea's state-run KHNP has selected candidate sites for two new nuclear reactors to be built by 2038, reversing a previous stance against new nuclear construction.
SEOUL, June 17 (Yonhap) -- The state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) said Wednesday it has picked candidate sites to host two new nuclear reactors to be built by 2038.
Yeongdeok, about 349 kilometers southeast of Seoul, was selected as the candidate site for two nuclear plants with a total of 2.8GW capacity, and Gijang, Busan's northeastern county, was picked as the site to host a 0.7GW-generating small nuclear modular reactor (SMR).
The move came as the government confirmed plans to build two large-scale nuclear reactors between 2037 and 2038.
Reversing an earlier stance opposing the construction of new nuclear power plants, the government decided earlier this year to stick to the country's plan to build additional nuclear reactors, citing growing power demand driven by the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) sector and the need to increase the use of clean energy.
The two candidate cities have shown interest in hosting the new nuclear reactors, according to the nuclear power operator.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Two large nuclear reactors and one SMR will be operational by 2038.
Likely · Within years
Open Questions
- What are the specific timelines for construction?
- What are the projected costs?
