Seoul: South Korea announced Monday that it will construct two new nuclear reactors by 2038 amid growing demand for clean energy. Speaking at a news conference in Seoul, Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan stated that the government will conduct necessary procedures to complete building two large-scale nuclear reactors between 2037-2038 as planned under the 11th basic plan devised by the previous government.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kim Sung-whan emphasized the need to cut carbon emissions in the energy sector by reducing power generation through coal and liquefied natural gas. He highlighted the necessity of having power system operations centered on renewable energy and nuclear power.

Recent public opinion polls commissioned by the government revealed that an average of 80% of respondents believe nuclear power is necessary, with 60% supporting the additional construction plan.

State-run Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) will soon initiate a bidding process to select the host cities or towns for the two reactors by 2027. KHNP aims to receive approval from the nuclear safety watchdog by 2031 to complete the construction between 2037-2038, according to the ministry.