South Korea may extend nuclear reactor lifespans to meet industrial energy demand

South Korea is considering extending the operational lifespan of nine nuclear reactors nearing the end of their service to power ambitious industrial projects, a move that pits energy security against environmental concerns. The proposal stems from the projected surge in electricity demand, driven by President Lee Jae-myung's "three mega-projects," which include a significant expansion of AI data centers and semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

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The additional power demand until 2041 due to the three mega-projects reaches 18.4 GW for AI data centers and 20 GW for semiconductors, totaling 38.4 GW.

According to Park Woo-young, head of the Energy Transition Policy Research at the Korea Energy Economics Institute, these projects will require an additional 38.4 gigawatts (GW) of power by 2041. This demand, equivalent to 27 new nuclear reactors, necessitates a reliable and carbon-free energy source. Park argued that extending the life of existing nuclear plants is the "cheapest and fastest" method to meet this demand, especially as renewable energy targets are projected to fall short.

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Extending the lifespan of nuclear power plants is the cheapest and fastest way to supply carbon-free power.

While the government's 12th Basic Plan for Long-Term Electricity Supply and Demand acknowledges the need for nuclear power, environmental organizations are strongly opposing the extension of aging reactors. Green Korea United expert Park Hang-ju criticized the plan as "lazy and irresponsible," urging the government to reduce unnecessary power consumption, particularly from data centers, and to bolster renewable energy sources. Currently, South Korea's renewable energy targets for 2030 are estimated to supply only 150 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually, leaving a significant gap of 110 TWh to meet the projected demand.

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Extending the lifespan of all nuclear power plants whose operational life has ended is a lazy and irresponsible direction.

The debate highlights a critical juncture for South Korea's energy policy. The government faces the challenge of balancing economic growth, driven by high-tech industries, with its climate commitments and public safety concerns surrounding nuclear power. The potential extension of these reactors, along with proposals to increase their operational periods from 10 to 20 years, is expected to spark further conflict with environmental groups and raise questions about the long-term sustainability of the nation's energy mix.

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If safety is guaranteed, I believe continuing operations is also necessary.