South Korea has approved a long-term electricity supply and demand plan outlining an expansion of nuclear power with the construction of two new large-scale reactor units and a small modular reactor (SMR) plant by 2038, a statement by the ministry of energy and industry said.

According to the plan, nuclear power’s share of the national power mix is expected to be about 35% by 2038, aiming to support energy security and reduce carbon emissions.

Data by the International Atomic Energy Agency shows that a fleet of 26 commercial nuclear reactor units generated about 30% of South Korea’s electricity in 2023, or a total of 180.5 TWh of electricity.

The ministry’s plan foresees nuclear-powered electric generation to reach about 248 TWh in 2038.