Nuclear power became the largest source of electricity generation in South Korea in 2024 for the first time in 17 years as the government’s carbon-free energy policy led to a decline in coal power generation.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on Sunday that Korea’s total electricity generation in 2024 was 595.6 terawatt-hours (TWh). Nuclear power supplied 188.8 TWh, or 31.7 percent, of the total, making it the top energy source in the country.

Nuclear energy reclaimed the top spot after losing it to coal in 2007. Gas and coal each followed by supplying 167.2 TWh, or for 28.1 percent, respectively.

The share of renewable energy exceeded 10 percent for the first time due to increased generation capacity. Its share steadily rose from 6.6 percent in 2020 to 7.5 percent in 2021, 8.9 percent in 2022, 9.6 percent in 2023, and 10.6 percent in 2024.

In terms of installed capacity, however, traditional sources still dominate. Korea’s total power generation capacity stood at 153.1 gigawatts (GW) as of 2024, with the breakdown by source as follows: gas (30.3% percent), coal (26.3 percent), renewables (22.7 percent), and nuclear (17 percent).

Renewable energy capacity increased by 3.3 GW, or 10.5 percent, in 2024 alone.

“The government plans to expand carbon-free energy sources such as nuclear, renewables, and hydrogen in a balanced way while innovating the power market and grid system,” an official from the industry ministry said. “We will continue phased coal reductions and work closely with relevant ministries, local governments, and power companies to mitigate any negative impacts via comprehensive measures.”

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