At the briefing for the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand (2026-2040), South Korea's Climate Minister Kim Seung-hwan announced that the country will proceed with the construction of two new nuclear reactors by 2038 as planned. These reactors were originally included in the 11th Electricity Plan and are scheduled for completion between 2037 and 2038. Kim Seung-hwan pointed out that to address climate change, it is necessary to reduce coal and liquefied natural gas power generation while strengthening the development of renewable energy and nuclear power. Recent polls show that 80% of respondents support nuclear power, and 60% support the construction of new nuclear facilities.

According to the plan, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) will initiate the bidding process for nuclear power plant site selection in 2027, aiming to obtain approval from the nuclear safety regulatory agency by 2031 and complete construction between 2037 and 2038. This electricity plan also addresses the anticipated increase in power demand driven by the expansion of the artificial intelligence industry and electric vehicles, thereby advancing South Korea's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The report also mentions that Kazakhstan plans to build two nuclear power plants in the Almaty region.