South Korea’s Cabinet on Tuesday approved a package of three energy laws designed to strengthen the country’s power grid, establish long-term nuclear waste storage facilities and accelerate offshore wind development. The High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Act sets a target to secure an interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel by 2050 and a permanent disposal facility by 2060. Site selection will follow a three-step process, including local government applications, suitability investigations and a public vote. Host communities will receive special financial support and infrastructure funding to secure local acceptance. A new High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Committee under the Prime Minister’s Office will oversee implementation.

The National Backbone Power Grid Expansion Act aims to eliminate chronic delays in transmission infrastructure projects by streamlining permitting and granting the government authority to designate high-priority transmission projects over 345 kV. A new committee under the prime minister will coordinate a 30-year master plan for grid development. The Offshore Wind Power Promotion Act establishes a government-led site selection and approval process for offshore wind projects. The government will designate development zones based on wind conditions, environmental impact and local acceptance. Developers will be selected through competitive bidding, with approved projects receiving fast-tracked permitting.