H. Yoo
Research expert covering South Korea
Nuclear energy in South Korea - statistics & facts
With the rise of artificial intelligence, energy demand has skyrocketed in recent years. The energy necessary to generate AI has had companies scrambling for cost-efficient sources in a time of climate crisis. With renewable energy prone to seasonal intermittency and costly compared to fossil fuels, nuclear energy has again gained serious consideration as an economical and efficient alternative. In South Korea, nuclear energy already makes up around 12 percent of the primary energy supply, and the current administration has pushed for the renewal of nuclear energy in the country. However, shifting public opinion will prove to be a challenge, as fears of accidents like Fukushima still exist in the minds of many.
Nuclear power generation in South Korea
With an over 90 percent overseas energy dependence rate, South Korea has had little choice but to diversify its energy basket early on. As a result, South Korea has gained worldwide acknowledgment for its expertise in nuclear energy. The country makes up almost seven percent of nuclear power generation worldwide, and the Kori and Hanul power plants are some of the leading nuclear power plants in the world in terms of capacity. Within the country, around 30 percent of electricity and heat generation comes from nuclear energy through imported uranium. Although nuclear energy is a pillar of energy security for South Korea, public opinion domestically remains divided on the topic.Domestic opinions on nuclear power
Despite the potential of nuclear energy, fears of nuclear accidents and radiation impact still exist for many in South Korea. After the 2011 Fukushima accident, fish imports from Japan plummeted due to lingering fears, and the release of wastewater from the facility has continued to impact sales of local fisheries. Although many people do believe that nuclear power will strengthen South Korea's energy security, a recent survey on nuclear and renewable energy found that over 60 percent of respondents found nuclear energy to be dangerous. Despite public concerns, nuclear energy policy has continued to receive support from the current administration.South Korea’s nuclear energy policy
The country’s dependency on nuclear energy is not likely to wane any time soon, with two reactors already resuming construction. The current Yoon Suk-yeol presidency has expressed plans to undo the previous administration's denuclearization policy by increasing spending and providing tax subsidies for the nuclear energy industry. Indeed, the hesitations around nuclear energy seem insufficient in quelling the growing demand for energy as new developments alter the markets, such as artificial intelligence. As South Korea seeks to push toward a carbon-neutral future, nuclear energy may prove to be one of the most realistic alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
