Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-12-30 08:04Group 1 - The South Korean nuclear regulatory authority has approved the operation of the new Saeul No. 3 reactor, marking the first such approval in nearly two years, despite the government's ongoing reassessment of nuclear energy's long-term role in the economy [1][2] - The new reactor is expected to significantly reduce South Korea's reliance on imported coal and natural gas, aligning with the increasing demand for nuclear power driven by the expansion of AI data centers [2][3] - The approval of the Saeul No. 3 reactor is seen as a critical infrastructure asset for supporting the growing AI computing power demands, which require stable and efficient electricity supply [3][4] Group 2 - The South Korean government, led by President Lee Jae-myung, is advocating for increased investment in renewable energy while still supporting existing nuclear projects, indicating a balanced approach to energy policy [2][6] - The global demand for electricity driven by AI data centers is projected to surge, with Goldman Sachs predicting a 175% increase in electricity consumption by 2030, highlighting the critical role of nuclear power in meeting this demand [4][5] - Major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are increasingly favoring nuclear energy for their data centers due to its clean, stable, and efficient characteristics, which are essential for continuous power supply [6][7]