[Reporter's Note] The Framing of Solar and Nuclear as Good and Evil

"Solar power and nuclear power are not at odds with each other. However, it is frustrating that a certain frame has been imposed on the issue."

An official from a solar power company, who has been grappling with the issue of rising electricity rates, laments the deeply rooted dichotomy of "solar versus nuclear" every time he meets with reporters. He said, "The industry is suffering unintended consequences from being caught between these opposing frames."

Until now, politicians and the media have often portrayed solar and nuclear energy as if they were good versus evil, setting them up in opposition. However, within the industry, the two energy sources have long been regarded as complementary. Electricity generated by nuclear power is used in the production of solar cells, and even nuclear energy experts acknowledge the need for a gradual expansion of renewable energy. Since both share the power grid and must work together to ensure grid stability, there is a consensus that neither can replace the other in the short term.

Articles about solar power have consistently attracted a large number of comments such as "Did you receive lobbying?" or "Is there a political motive?" This clearly reflects a perspective that views energy not as an industry, but through an ideological lens.

At a confirmation hearing held on July 15, Kim Seonghwan, the nominee for Minister of Environment, stated, "Transitioning to a 'decarbonized society' by reducing fossil fuel consumption as much as possible is a crucial challenge," and added, "I believe that an appropriate mix of renewable energy and nuclear power should be the future direction of South Korea's energy policy." This reflects an acknowledgment of the intermittency of renewable energy and an acceptance of nuclear power as a supplementary source.

In reality, the domestic solar industry relies on inexpensive electricity generated by nuclear power. Electrolysis is an essential part of the solar cell manufacturing process. In particular, in the production of polysilicon, electricity accounts for 40 to 60 percent of total production costs. As industrial electricity rates in South Korea continued to rise, companies such as OCI and Hanwha Solutions relocated some of their operations overseas, to countries like Malaysia. A solar industry official said, "It is true that the expansion of renewable energy has created factors that could drive up electricity rates," and added, "If electricity rates had not risen so sharply, it would have been possible to maintain the domestic solar production value chain."

Energy is an industry, not a political issue. When framing takes precedence, essential policy discussions are pushed aside. South Korea has already experienced industrial confusion due to the political dichotomy of "nuclear phase-out versus nuclear expansion." In a situation where the country must address both carbon neutrality and power grid stability, a binary approach to energy sources could actually hinder national strategy. While Kim's mention of an "appropriate mix" may sound like a general principle, it could serve as a practical starting point to prevent power instability and industrial exodus in the era of decarbonization.