"Nuclear Power as a Carbon Neutral Alternative... Opportunity to Export 10 Nuclear Reactors Arrives" [Collapsed Nuclear Ecosystem⑧]

Interview with Jeong Dong-wook, President of the Korean Nuclear Society
Carbon Neutrality: The Path We Must Take... Nuclear Power, the Most Important Energy Source
Eastern Europe Moving Away from Russian Dependence... Must Go All In on Nuclear Power Contracts

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] "Carbon neutrality is a path we must take, and nuclear power is the most important energy source for achieving this. The Yoon Seok-yeol administration can reduce the burdens we must bear in the process of achieving carbon neutrality by utilizing nuclear power, and the government can allocate those costs to essential areas such as national security and welfare."

Jung Dong-wook, President of the Korean Nuclear Society (Professor of Energy Systems Engineering at Chung-Ang University), stated in an interview with Asia Economy on the 25th, "During the five years of the Moon Jae-in administration, the risks of nuclear power were overly emphasized, leading to an excessive neglect of the importance of nuclear power in energy policy."

He analyzed, "President Moon, who pursued nuclear phase-out, shifted his stance toward nuclear power as a main baseload power source near the end of his term, and the declaration of carbon neutrality in October 2020 likely had a significant influence on this. The biggest agenda of energy transition, carbon neutrality, could not help but recognize the necessity of nuclear power as a clean zero-carbon power source."

The new government, which has decided to resume construction of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 and expand nuclear power, must focus on reaching a national consensus on nuclear power to establish and sustain a stable energy policy. He emphasized, "According to a survey by the Nuclear Society, 70% of the public supports the use of nuclear power, but the remaining 30% still feel uncomfortable with it. Strengthening communication with the public must accompany the process of expanding nuclear power." He added, "Once energy infrastructure is established, it is difficult to withdraw from it. The intention is to build a broad social consensus so that energy policies do not fluctuate frequently with every change of administration."

Regarding the campaign pledge by President-elect Yoon to export 10 nuclear reactors overseas by 2030, he said, "Finally, the chance has come." President Jung analyzed, "Eastern European countries are pursuing new nuclear power plant construction, but currently most rely on Russian technology. Due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, these countries are trying to reduce their high dependence on Russia, so the possibility of us securing orders for nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and others has increased." He continued, "The European Union (EU) has also included nuclear power in the green taxonomy, resolving funding issues for Eastern European countries. Once the path for overseas exports opens, the collapsed domestic nuclear power ecosystem will begin to revive."

Finally, President Jung emphasized, "Considering South Korea's energy supply and demand environment, the importance of nuclear power as a cheap and stable baseload power source cannot be overstated. As energy security and carbon neutrality have become more important than ever, it is necessary to establish a mid- to long-term energy plan centered on nuclear power that is not shaken by administrations or ideologies."