Comparing South Korean domestic costs with US wind/solar is wishful thinking. The Koreans can build plants in Korea for less than $3000/kW overnight and in 5 years. But the Korean can't put in a firm bid on a US job when the NRC can change the rules on them, as the NRC did to Westinghouse at Vogtle. Even in the Czech Republic where they must have had some kind of assurance that would not happen, they came in at a reported $8600/kW. And if you want to see what French nuke costs these days, look at Flamanville 3 and Hinkley Pt 3 both of which will come in at over $15000/kW, probably well over.
Thought-provoking comparison—interesting to see how different countries approach the same energy challenge in such distinct ways.
Comparing South Korean domestic costs with US wind/solar is wishful thinking. The Koreans can build plants in Korea for less than $3000/kW overnight and in 5 years. But the Korean can't put in a firm bid on a US job when the NRC can change the rules on them, as the NRC did to Westinghouse at Vogtle. Even in the Czech Republic where they must have had some kind of assurance that would not happen, they came in at a reported $8600/kW. And if you want to see what French nuke costs these days, look at Flamanville 3 and Hinkley Pt 3 both of which will come in at over $15000/kW, probably well over.
You bring up fair points. To consider a plant in the U.S. step 1 in planning is to take a clear eyed view of what the government will require of it.