The New Nuclear Power 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. The plan includes the construction of two large nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 2.8GW and one SMR demonstration reactor with a capacity of 0.7GW, totaling 3.5GW.
The two large reactors are expected to be operational by 2037 and 2038, while the SMR demonstration reactor is targeted for 2035-2036. The new 3.5GW nuclear power capacity will account for 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 power sites since 2011.
First New Nuclear Power Site Selection Since 2011
In the large nuclear power category, Yeongdeok received a score of 91.01, surpassing Uljin, 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 surveys, site conditions, and environmental factors within a 5km radius of the proposed site. Gijang also demonstrated superior scores in local surveys and site conditions compared to competing regions.
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 re-emerged as 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 operational experience and infrastructure, including the transmission network, are seen as advantages. The site selection process for the country's first SMR has also been clarified.
This process gained momentum after the government decided in January to proceed with new nuclear power 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 surveys, site inspections, and local opinion polls. Following the selection, KHNP plans to undergo strategic environmental impact assessments and other permitting procedures.
Increased Need for Energy Demand Response, but Transmission Network Challenges Remain
The push for additional nuclear power is aligned with projections of rising electricity demand. 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 energy sources.
However, there are concerns that relying solely on nuclear power may not adequately address long-term increases in energy demand. Even with the addition of the new 3.5GW capacity to the current 26.05GW, the total would only reach 29.55GW, which is about 21.4% of the projected peak demand of 138.2GW in 2040. To ensure stable supply, enhancements to the transmission network, expansion of renewable energy, and demand management must be implemented concurrently.
The construction of large nuclear plants involves lengthy site selection, permitting, and construction processes, which may limit their ability to respond to short-term energy demand increases.
There are also concerns about the regional burden associated with the concentration of nuclear power plants in the Yeongnam region. This could solidify a structure that increases power generation and transmission networks in non-capital areas to supply electricity to the capital region.
The evaluation committee stated, "Stable electricity 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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