[Public Voices] Sustainable Energy Policy Is Needed

Lessons from Czech Nuclear Power Export after 15 Years
Closely Linked to Exporting Country's Trustworthiness
Reflecting on Policy Changes with Each Administration

Choi Jong-min, Professor of Public Administration at Keimyung University.

On the 17th of last month, a long-awaited national milestone was announced. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) was selected as the preferred bidder for the construction of a new nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. For us, who had been thirsty for nuclear power exports for 15 years since the export of nuclear power plants to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this was truly a moment of rain in a drought.

When announcing the selection of the preferred bidder, the government stated that "nuclear power projects span generations." In the case of the Czech Republic, the process began with the submission of preliminary bidding documents in 2016, followed by the official bidding start in 2022, and the commercial operation of the first unit is scheduled for 2036, meaning communication must be maintained over approximately 20 years. Because of this, there were concerns not only from the ordering country but also in the global nuclear market about our energy policy being overturned like flipping a palm depending on the administration. The government reportedly made great efforts to help the Czech Republic understand this aspect during the preferred bidder selection process.

Looking at the European Union (EU)'s climate and energy policies, there is an unchanging broad framework of expanding renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Within this framework, the detailed energy mix decisions are left to each member state. The EU began joint action for carbon neutrality by adopting the 2020 Climate and Energy Package in 2008. This package aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to 1990 levels, expand the share of renewable energy by 20%, and increase energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. Since then, the EU has continuously maintained policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable energy through the 2014 EU 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework Package, the 2021 EU Fit for 55, and the 2023 EU Renewable Energy Directive.

Recently, interest in nuclear power has increased within the EU due to growing concerns about energy security crises and achieving carbon neutrality based on renewable energy. Following the limited inclusion of nuclear power and natural gas in the EU's 2020 Green Taxonomy, last year’s EU Renewable Energy Directive included low-carbon hydrogen production through nuclear power as part of renewable energy. This acknowledges the practical limitations of renewable energy and shows progress toward the common goal of carbon neutrality. Reports that Italy, a representative anti-nuclear country, is attempting to introduce Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for the first time in 35 years illustrate this change well.

Although internal conflicts between anti-nuclear and pro-nuclear countries within the EU persist, a detailed analysis of the EU's energy policies and the changes among these countries can provide important lessons for establishing South Korea’s energy policy.

South Korea’s energy policy has undergone rapid changes recently, causing social conflicts and costs in the process. Now, based on the experiences of EU member states, it is necessary to move beyond the dichotomous thinking of anti-nuclear versus pro-nuclear and consider a consistent policy direction that takes into account South Korea’s natural, geographical, and technological constraints. There is an urgent need for institutional measures to prevent abrupt energy policy changes and discussions on establishing long-term and integrated energy policies to reduce social conflicts.

Globally, carbon neutrality is an unavoidable challenge. Energy is discussed from a security perspective and is a critical issue that determines national competitiveness. Therefore, regardless of changes in administration, it is essential to maintain overall policy consistency to ensure long-term and stable energy supply and demand under the goal of achieving carbon neutrality, while also demonstrating policy flexibility in response to technological innovation.

As seen in the Czech case, our energy policy is closely linked to exports and, furthermore, to national trust. A steadfast policy will give partner countries confidence to cooperate across generations. Now is the time to reflect on inconsistent policies to date and gather wisdom based on lessons from major countries to reduce the burden on future generations.

Choi Jong-min, Professor, Department of Public Administration, Keimyung University