South Korea Nuclear Power Generation to Reach 219.2TWh by 2035, Forecasts GlobalData

­Power generation in South Korea is undergoing a strategic realignment as the government reinforces the role of nuclear energy in its electricity mix. The country operates as an energy island with no cross-border interconnections, making domestic generation reliability and energy security critical priorities. Following a policy reversal in 2022, South Korea has repositioned nuclear power as a central pillar of its long-term energy strategy, balancing decarbonization goals with system stability and supply security. Against this backdrop, South Korea's nuclear power generation is forecast to reach approximately 219.2TWh by 2035, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform. 

GlobalData’s latest report, “South Korea Power Market Trends and Analysis by Capacity, Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Regulations, Key Players and Forecast to 2035”, reveals that the country’s nuclear capacity is expected to increase from around 25.6GW in 2025 to approximately 29.8GW by 2035, supported by new reactor construction, lifetime extensions of existing units, and sustained high utilization across the fleet. This reflects the role of nuclear power in maintaining stable baseload generation within a system characterized by high demand and limited interconnections.

Mohammed Ziauddin, Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The expansion of nuclear power is supported by a coordinated policy framework under the 11th Basic Plan for Long-Term Electricity Supply and Demand, which prioritizes nuclear as a key low-carbon and energy security asset. The government is advancing large-scale reactor projects, including the continuation of previously suspended units, while also initiating the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). In parallel, South Korea is strengthening its domestic nuclear supply chain and expanding its global footprint through strategic partnerships and export-oriented projects, reinforcing its position as a competitive nuclear technology provider.”

Recent political and policy developments have further clarified the direction of South Korea’s nuclear program. Following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and the election of President Lee Jae-myung in 2025, initial policy uncertainty around nuclear energy was offset by strong public support, with surveys indicating broad backing for continued nuclear expansion. As a result, the current administration has confirmed the continuation of new reactor construction under the 11th Basic Plan. 

At the same time, South Korean nuclear companies are expanding their international presence through agreements and partnerships across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, including reactor development, SMR collaboration, and emerging applications such as nuclear-powered data centers.

Ziauddin adds: “South Korea’s power sector reflects a dual-track transition, where nuclear energy is being reinforced to ensure system reliability, while renewable capacity is scaled up to meet decarbonization goals. Nuclear power remains critical in maintaining baseload supply, particularly in a system with limited interconnections and rising demand from energy-intensive industries.”

In parallel, renewable energy capacity is expanding, led primarily by solar PV and offshore wind developments. Solar PV capacity is projected to increase significantly from approximately 33.8GW in 2025 to around 75.6GW by 2035, driven by government targets, corporate procurement mechanisms, and declining technology costs. 

Offshore wind capacity, while currently at an early stage, is expected to grow from around 0.3GW in 2025 to approximately 28.7GW by 2035, supported by dedicated policy frameworks and large-scale project pipelines. Despite this rapid expansion, renewable integration continues to require system flexibility and grid enhancements, reinforcing the importance of dispatchable generation.

Thermal power continues to play a substantial role in South Korea’s electricity mix, although its composition is evolving. Coal-fired capacity is expected to decline from approximately 41.3GW in 2025 to around 28.8GW by 2035, reflecting decarbonization efforts and policy-driven phase-outs. In contrast, natural gas capacity is projected to increase from about 45.2GW to approximately 61.7GW, supporting flexible generation and system balancing requirements. However, the country’s continued reliance on imported fossil fuels exposes the power sector to global price volatility and geopolitical risks.

Recent initiatives, including the US–South Korea nuclear cooperation framework, participation in overseas reactor projects, and growing involvement in SMR deployment for emerging applications such as data centers, indicate a broader shift toward integrating nuclear energy within future industrial and technological ecosystems. While domestic capacity expansion remains measured, this combined focus on sustaining internal supply and scaling global deployment is expected to reinforce South Korea’s position as a competitive alternative in the global nuclear market, supporting long-term energy security and industrial growth.

Zia concludes: “South Korea is increasingly positioning nuclear energy as a strategic pillar that extends beyond domestic power generation into global industrial and export markets. Supported by strong public backing and continued policy alignment under the current administration, the country is maintaining momentum in reactor development while simultaneously expanding its international footprint through partnerships and project execution across Europe, the Middle East, and the US.”