A clean energy Korea by 2035: Transitioning to 80% carbon-free electricity generation

South Korea relies on imported fossil fuels for over 60% of its electricity generation, making it vulnerable to energy security risks and fuel price volatility. This study analyzes pathways for South Korea to achieve an economically optimal clean electricity generation mix by 2035, using capacity expansion and production cost modeling. We find that transitioning to 80% clean electricity—comprising 50% renewables and 30% nuclear—alongside investments in storage and transmission is both economically desirable and operationally feasible. Expanding renewables can reduce dependence on imported natural gas and coal while dramatically reducing emissions. Declined clean energy costs can reduce electricity supply costs by 23%–40% compared with 2022. Hourly dispatch simulations indicate that South Korea’s grid can integrate high levels of variable renewables without coal generation or new natural gas power plants. Realizing these benefits requires ambitious policies, a robust regulatory framework, and effective business models to spur renewable energy growth.