South Korea to Expand Nuclear Power to 222.7 TWh by 2035

According to GlobalData’s latest report, South Korea’s nuclear power generation is projected to rise to 222.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2035, growing at a 2.4 percent CAGR from 2024 to 2035.

The country’s installed nuclear capacity increased from 23.2 GW in 2020 to 24.4 GW in 2024 and is expected to grow further to 29.8 GW by 2035. Nuclear energy currently accounts for nearly one-third of South Korea’s electricity consumption, with 25 reactors in operation and four under construction. GlobalData analyst Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan emphasized that South Korea, one of the world’s leading energy consumers and greenhouse gas emitters, is aggressively shifting toward cleaner, nuclear-based power to meet sustainability goals.

Key Highlights

• South Korea’s nuclear power to grow to 222.7 TWh by 2035
• Three new reactors and one SMR to add 4.4 GW by 2038
• Country aims to export 10 nuclear reactors globally by 2030

“The nation’s reliance on thermal and nuclear power to satisfy domestic electricity needs is notable. The utilisation of fossil fuels for thermal power not only escalates emissions but also, due to scant natural reserves, necessitates the costly importation of coal and gas,” said Saibasan

Under its 11th Basic Plan for Long-Term Electricity Supply and Demand, the nation targets raising the share of nuclear power to 35.2 percent of total generation by 2038. This transition will be supported by the addition of three large-scale reactors and one small modular reactor, contributing 4.4 GW in capacity by 2038.

Also Read: Russia to Build Eight New Nuclear Power Plants in Iran

In addition to domestic goals, South Korea is aiming for global leadership in nuclear exports, with ambitions to secure contracts for 10 overseas nuclear reactor constructions by 2030. The country’s strategic focus combines energy security, carbon reduction, and export competitiveness, reflecting its broader commitment to a clean and resilient energy future.