South Korea Minister: nuclear expansion eyed for semiconductor power

South Korea’s Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung-hwan said the government is reviewing the possibility of adding two more nuclear reactors at the existing sites in Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do and Ulsan’s Uljoo region. The move is aimed at securing stable electricity for upcoming semiconductor fab expansions and AI data centers, with the plans to be reflected in the upcoming 12th Electricity Supply Basic Plan.

Kim noted that while the country aims to cut coal use and increase renewable sources, the continuous 24‑hour power demand of semiconductor production requires a reliable base‑load source. He added that any new construction would consider transmission grid upgrades and aim to minimise local resident conflict by balancing overhead and underground lines.