South Korea will prioritise its goal of deploying 100GW of renewable energy by 2030 and expanding the power grid under its 2026 energy transition plan, in line with its pledge to phase out coal, the climate and energy ministry announced on Sunday.
The plan includes reforms to electricity tariffs and the power market, as well as measures to improve the acceptance and sustainability of nuclear power.
It also sets out measures to reuse grid connections from retiring coal-fired power plants, alongside a roadmap for a just transition and proposed legislation to support coal plant closures.
The government plans to adjust industrial electricity tariffs in the first quarter, raising prices during evening hours and lowering daytime rates.
Nuclear power will continue to play a major role, alongside renewables, to support stable power supply. The government last week confirmed that new nuclear projects will proceed as scheduled.
The measures will be reflected in the country's power supply plan for 2026-40, including a gradual coal phase-out.
Coal remained a major source of South Korea's power generation in January-November 2025, accounting for 29pc of its total output, Argus data show. Nuclear, gas and renewables made up 31pc, 28pc and 111pc, respectively, over the same period.
