South Korea's President Abandons Nuclear Power Plan in Favor of Renewable Energy

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has expressed skepticism over the feasibility of building new nuclear power plants, citing the lengthy construction period and the rising demand for power. During a press conference marking his 100 days in office, Lee emphasized the importance of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to meet the country's immediate power needs. This shift in policy suggests that the country's next basic plan on electricity supply and demand, due to be finalized next year, will likely scrap plans for new nuclear reactors. Lee's remarks come after Environment Minister Kim Sung-hwan raised the possibility of halting the country's existing plans to build new nuclear reactors.

Key Takeaways:

• President Lee Jae Myung believes that building new nuclear power plants is unlikely due to the lengthy construction period, which can take at least 15 years.
• The President emphasized the need for renewable energy sources to meet the country's immediate power needs, which are driven by the growing demand for artificial intelligence data centers.
• The current 11th basic plan on electricity supply and demand outlines the construction of two nuclear reactors and one small modular reactor (SMR), which Lee raised doubts about.
• Lee's remarks suggest that the next basic plan on electricity supply and demand will likely revise plans for building new nuclear power plants in favor of renewable energy sources.
• The President aims to increase the use of solar and wind power on a large-scale, which can be achieved within one to two years.
• The Environment Minister, Kim Sung-hwan, previously raised the possibility of halting the country's existing plans to build new nuclear reactors.

Statistics:

• The construction of new nuclear power plants can take at least 15 years.
• The demand for power is driven by the growing need for artificial intelligence data centers.
• The 11th basic plan on electricity supply and demand outlines plans for two nuclear reactors and one small modular reactor (SMR).
• The President aims to increase the use of solar and wind power on a large-scale within one to two years.
• The next basic plan on electricity supply and demand is due to be finalized in the first half of next year.

Sources:

• Yonhap News Agency, 11 September 2025
• Lee Jae Myung's press conference, 11 September 2025