S Korea to embark on ambitious renewables plan, exit nuclear

South Korea’s new President Moon Jae-in has announced a major change in the country’s energy policy with an increased focus on renewable energy sources in preparation for a “nuclear-free era”.

At a ceremony to mark the closing of the country's oldest nuclear power plant (NPP), the Kori-1, the President pledged to halt all existing plans for the construction of new nuclear reactors, forbid plants to operate longer than their set lifespan, and shut down outdated facilities. The move is seen as the first step towards an energy shift that will focus on safety and sustainability.

There is also a plan to raise the share of renewable energy to 20% by 2030 from about 5% at present in order to cut reliance on coal and nuclear power. The government of South Korea will be working on a detailed roadmap for the energy transition, Moon has said, as cited by local media.

South Korea currently has 25 reactors and generates 27% of its electricity from nuclear power. About 42% of the total electricity production comes from thermal coal-fired power plants.

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