Full Breakdown
South Korea Faces Power Surge from AI Boom, Weighs Nuclear Expansion
By Drooid · · How we work
AI-Driven Power Surge and Nuclear Debate
On September 8, Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan warned that AI-related data centres and new chip factories will add 25–30 gigawatts of electricity demand, roughly the output of 20 nuclear reactors. The surge comes as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix expand production in the southwest under an 800 trillion-won government-backed “mega project.”
Energy Mix and Capacity Gaps
South Korea currently operates 26 nuclear reactors, supplying just under one-third of electricity. Renewables account for 11 %, coal 29 %, and gas 27 % of the power mix. The nation runs 60 coal-fired plants and plans to phase them out by 2040, though 20 have design lifespans extending beyond that date and may remain as emergency backup.
Government Plans and Industry Commitments
The government will unveil an updated long-term energy roadmap next month, extending the plan to 2040. While Kim declined to specify the number of additional reactors needed, he called nuclear “an essential element” of the future mix. He noted that the existing six reactors in the southwest, together with solar and wind farms, should suffice for the new chip cluster, but regions like Seoul may require more solar or liquefied natural gas capacity. U.S. firms such as Nvidia have expressed interest in building data centres in South Korea, attracted by the country’s reliable power supply.
Public Opinion and Local Opposition
A poll by the state-run Korea Energy Information Culture Agency found 79 % of 2,000 respondents support adding new nuclear plants to the roadmap. Conversely, a civic group in Ulsan—identified as a potential site for additional reactors—has gathered over 10,000 signatures opposing further nuclear construction on safety grounds.
Outlook and Challenges
With AI-driven demand projected to outpace current generation capacity, South Korea must balance accelerated nuclear development against safety concerns, public sentiment, and its goal to reduce coal reliance. The upcoming roadmap update will shape how the nation meets its growing electricity needs while navigating domestic opposition and the broader transition to cleaner energy sources.
