KEPCO Has Pursued Nuclear Projects Abroad
The South Korean firm is bidding on new nuclear reactor contracts in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Nuclear
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Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) has expanded its international nuclear efforts, targeting new power infrastructure projects across three nations. The company aims to leverage its construction experience from the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates to secure these deals.
Why it matters
KEPCO seeks to export its nuclear power capabilities to global markets to bolster its international footprint. These efforts come as Vietnam reconsidering nuclear energy due to worsening power shortages while other nations continue to develop their infrastructure.
The Saudi project involves two 1,400-megawatt reactors, building on KEPCO's preliminary contractor selection in 2018. Additionally, the company is moving toward a contract for Phase 2 of the Saudi Arabia Jafurah cogeneration plant.
The players
Korea Electric Power Corp.
This is a South Korean state-owned utility company that is the largest electric utility in South Korea and a major player in international nuclear plant construction.
The details
KEPCO is actively participating in international bidding processes, including submitting a proposal for the Sinop project in Türkiye in 2023. The firm previously won rights to Phase 1 of the Saudi Arabia Jafurah cogeneration plant project in 2022.
Timeline
Vietnam approved plans for two nuclear reactors in 2009.
The Fukushima nuclear disaster occurred in Japan in 2011.
Vietnam suspended its national nuclear power initiative in 2016.
KEPCO was selected as a preliminary contractor for a Saudi project in 2018.
KEPCO submitted a formal proposal for the Sinop project in Türkiye in 2023.
Deeper Dive
The global nuclear landscape remains heavily influenced by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which prompted nations to re-evaluate their energy policies. KEPCO's recent expansion efforts reflect a shifting trend as countries weigh safety concerns against urgent power shortages.
The expansion of nuclear power infrastructure could lead to more stable energy grids in developing markets, potentially lowering long-term electricity costs for local industries. These projects may also create new standards for reactor safety and efficiency that influence future global energy development.
The takeaway
KEPCO is positioning itself as a primary global provider of nuclear power infrastructure by leveraging its previous project experience. Success in these current international bids would mark a significant expansion of the company's role in the global energy market.
What happens next
KEPCO plans to participate in official bidding for the new Saudi Arabia nuclear project in the second half of 2025.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving global energy sector in our Nuclear section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pulse.
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