Anchoring power strategy: South Korea’s 11th Basic Plan - Law.asia
Published June 10, 2026
Anchoring Power Strategy: South Korea’s 11th Basic Plan
South Korea has unveiled its 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, a strategic framework aimed at guiding the nation’s energy policy through 2030. This comprehensive plan is a pivotal component of the government's broader energy transition strategy, which seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and bolster the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix.
The 11th Basic Plan, approved by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), outlines ambitious targets and initiatives designed to secure a sustainable and resilient energy future for South Korea. The plan is structured around key objectives including energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency.
Key Objectives and Targets
One of the primary goals of the 11th Basic Plan is to achieve a significant increase in the share of renewable energy sources in the country's power generation portfolio. By 2030, the plan aims for renewables to account for 30-35% of the total electricity generation capacity. This represents a substantial increase from the previous plan's target of 20% by 2030.
In addition to expanding renewable energy capacity, the plan emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency and conservation measures. The government aims to reduce energy consumption by 20% compared to business-as-usual scenarios by 2030. This will be achieved through the implementation of various energy-saving technologies and practices across industries, buildings, and transportation.
Investment and Infrastructure Development
To realize these ambitious targets, the South Korean government is committed to investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure. The 11th Basic Plan outlines a total investment of approximately KRW 63 trillion (around USD 54 billion) over the next decade. This investment will be directed towards the development of solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects, as well as the necessary grid enhancements to support increased renewable integration.
Solar energy is expected to play a significant role in the country’s renewable energy expansion. The plan targets an increase in solar capacity to 30 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, up from the current capacity of around 13 GW. Similarly, wind energy capacity is projected to grow to 16.5 GW, with an emphasis on both onshore and offshore wind projects.
Nuclear Energy’s Role
While the focus of the 11th Basic Plan is heavily on renewable energy, nuclear power remains a key component of South Korea’s energy strategy. The plan outlines a commitment to maintain the current level of nuclear power generation, which accounts for approximately 30% of the country’s electricity supply. However, the government has also indicated a gradual phase-out of older nuclear plants as part of its long-term energy transition strategy.
The plan acknowledges the need for a balanced energy mix that includes nuclear power while transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future. This balance is crucial for ensuring energy security and meeting the nation’s climate goals.
Decarbonization Efforts
Decarbonization is a central theme of the 11th Basic Plan, aligning with South Korea’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The government has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector by 40% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels. This ambitious target will be supported by the increased deployment of renewable energy and the gradual phase-out of coal-fired power plants.
As part of its decarbonization strategy, the plan includes specific measures to reduce the use of coal, which has been a significant contributor to the country’s carbon emissions. The government aims to close down 30% of its coal-fired power plants by 2030, with a view to completely phasing out coal by 2050.
Grid Modernization and Energy Storage
To facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources and enhance grid reliability, the 11th Basic Plan emphasizes the need for modernization of the electricity grid. Investments will be made in smart grid technologies, which will enable better management of electricity supply and demand, as well as improved integration of distributed energy resources.
Energy storage systems (ESS) are also highlighted as a critical component of the plan. The government aims to increase the deployment of ESS to support the stability of the grid and ensure that renewable energy can be effectively harnessed and utilized. This includes investments in battery storage technologies that can store excess energy produced during peak generation periods for use during times of high demand.
Public Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement
The development of the 11th Basic Plan involved extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including industry experts, environmental groups, and the general public. The government recognizes the importance of public engagement in shaping energy policy and ensuring that the transition to a sustainable energy future is inclusive and equitable.
As part of the implementation of the plan, the government will continue to seek input from stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that the transition to renewable energy is smooth and effective. This collaborative approach aims to build public support and trust in the energy transition process.
Conclusion
South Korea’s 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand marks a significant step towards a more sustainable energy future. With ambitious targets for renewable energy expansion, a commitment to decarbonization, and a focus on grid modernization, the plan sets a clear direction for the country’s energy policy through 2030 and beyond. As South Korea navigates this transition, the successful implementation of the plan will be crucial in achieving energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency.
The coming years will be critical as South Korea works to balance its energy needs with its environmental goals, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future for generations to come.
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