KHNP to Boost Nuclear Power Capacity Factor to 89% in 2026

South Korea is cranking up its nuclear engines. The state-run KHNP (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co.) plans to push its nuclear plant utilization to a 15-year high to curb electricity rates and feed the insatiable power hunger of the AI and semiconductor sectors.

A 15-Year High: KHNP Nuclear Power Capacity Factor 2026 Target

According to Yonhap News, the climate ministry announced on January 13, 2026, that KHNP will increase its nuclear capacity factor to 89% this year. It's a significant jump of 4.4 percentage points from last year's 84.6%. This target marks the highest utilization rate since 2011, when the figure stood at 90.7%. The move's designed to stabilize the national power grid while keeping energy costs manageable for consumers.

Powering the AI and Semiconductor Boom

The surge in artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing has created a massive spike in electricity demand. KHNP noted that nuclear power acts as a vital backbone, offsetting the intermittency of renewable energy sources. By providing a steady and cost-effective supply, nuclear energy's expected to help maintain South Korea's industrial competitiveness on the global stage.

Infrastructure Updates and the Energy Expressway

To reach these goals, KHNP will resume operations at the Kori-2 reactor in March following a 10-year life extension approval. Simultaneously, KEPCO is accelerating the development of an "energy expressway." This project utilizes High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology to minimize transmission losses and streamline the integration of various energy sources across the nation.