The New Nuclear Site Selection Evaluation Committee announced the results of its 11th meeting on June 17, in accordance with the 11th Basic Plan for Power Supply and Demand. This plan aims to construct two large nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 2.8GW and one SMR demonstration reactor with a capacity of 0.7GW, totaling 3.5GW.
The two large reactors are scheduled for introduction in 2037 and 2038, while the SMR demonstration reactor is targeted for 2035-2036. The new 3.5GW capacity represents approximately 13.4% of the current domestic nuclear power capacity of 26.05GW.
If existing reactors continue to operate, the number of large nuclear reactors in South Korea could increase to 32 by 2038. This marks the first selection of new nuclear sites since 2011.
First New Nuclear Site Selection Since 2011
In the large nuclear sector, Yeongdeok received a score of 91.01, surpassing Ulsan's Ulju County, which scored 82.63. In the SMR category, Gijang scored 87.11, higher than Gyeongju's 84.56.
Yeongdeok was positively evaluated based on local resident surveys within a 5km radius, site conditions, and environmental factors. Gijang also demonstrated superior performance in resident surveys and site conditions compared to competing areas.
Yeongdeok was previously designated as the site for the now-canceled Shinjiwon Nuclear Power Units 1 and 2. Although land acquisition, geological surveys, and environmental impact assessments were partially completed, the project was scrapped during the Moon Jae-in administration's nuclear phase-out policy. The selected site in Yeongdeok spans 3.24 million square meters, more than three times the 1.041 million square meters required for the bidding criteria. With this selection, Yeongdeok has once again been named a candidate for a large nuclear power plant.
Gijang is home to the Gori Nuclear Power Plant. The site was previously considered for the Shin-Kori Units 7 and 9. Its existing nuclear operational experience and infrastructure, including transmission networks, are seen as advantages. The site selection process for the country's first SMR has also been solidified.
This process gained momentum after the government decided in January to proceed with new nuclear projects following public discussions and surveys.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) formed an evaluation committee composed of external experts, which determined the candidate sites after conducting basic site and environmental surveys, on-site inspections, and resident surveys. Following the site selection, KHNP will undergo strategic environmental impact assessments and permitting processes.
Increased Power Demand Necessitates Action, but Transmission Network Remains a Challenge
The push for additional nuclear power is aligned with rising power demand forecasts. The 12th Basic Plan for Power Supply and Demand indicates that peak demand could reach 138.2GW by 2040, highlighting the need for more stable power generation sources.
However, there are concerns that relying solely on nuclear power may not adequately address long-term increases in power demand. Even with the addition of the new 3.5GW, the total nuclear capacity would only reach 29.55GW, approximately 21.4% of the projected peak demand of 138.2GW in 2040. To ensure stable supply, expansion of the transmission network, increased renewable energy, and demand management must occur simultaneously.
The construction of large nuclear plants involves lengthy site selection, permitting, and construction processes, which limits their ability to respond to short-term power demand increases.
There are also concerns about regional burdens due to the concentration of nuclear power in the Yeongnam region. This could solidify a structure where power plants and transmission networks are increased in non-capital regions to supply the capital area.
The evaluation committee stated, "Stable power supply is essential for securing national competitiveness and for future generations," adding, "We aimed to find the optimal site while prioritizing regional coexistence."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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