South Korea to boost coal and nuclear use as LNG supplies tighten
South Korea plans to rely more on coal and nuclear power this winter because LNG imports are disrupted by the Middle East conflict.
Facing reduced LNG availability due to the Middle East conflict, South Korea will lean heavily on coal and nuclear energy for the upcoming heating season, announced climate minister Kim Sungwhan. He explained that the country must curb gas consumption while accelerating renewable development and expanding nuclear output. The policy highlights the tension between climate ambitions and immediate energy security for one of the world’s largest fossil-fuel importers.
South Korea received about 11% of global LNG shipments last year, ranking just behind China and Japan, according to the International Gas Union. Although the government aims to cut overall reliance on imported fuels, it is also exploring green hydrogen and carbon-capture technologies to mitigate emissions from gas-based power. The increased coal and nuclear use could pressure state-controlled Korea Electric Power Corp, which purchases fuel at market prices but sells electricity at regulated rates.
Why it matters
The shift shows how geopolitical tensions can force a major economy to temporarily revert to coal, affecting climate goals and energy markets.
In this story
