South Korea to boost nuclear generation to 29.8GW by 2035

Despite initial uncertainty, strong public backing has ensured the continuation of the nuclear roadmap. 

South Korea’s nuclear generation is forecast to reach 219.2 terrawatt-hours by 2035, driven by a policy framework that prioritises energy security and baseload stability. 

According to GlobalData, the country relies heavily on domestic reliability, leading the government to expand nuclear capacity from 25.6 gigawatts in 2025 to approximately 29.8GW by 2035. 

This growth is supported by the 11th Basic Plan for Long-Term Electricity Supply and Demand, which includes the construction of large-scale reactors and the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).

Despite initial political uncertainty following the 2025 election of President Lee Jae-myung, strong public backing has ensured the continuation of the nuclear roadmap. 

The administration is now balancing this nuclear expansion with a rapid scale-up of renewables to meet decarbonisation targets. 

Solar photovoltaic capacity is projected to more than double, reaching 75.6GW by 2035, whilst offshore wind is expected to surge from a modest 0.3GW in 2025 to 28.7GW over the same period. 

This dual-track transition necessitates a shift in thermal power; whilst coal-fired capacity is slated to decline to 28.8GW, natural gas capacity will rise to 61.7GW.

Beyond its borders, South Korea is expanding its international footprint with strategic partnerships across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, focusing on reactor exports, SMR collaboration, and novel applications like nuclear-powered data centres.