Jung Sye-kyun: "Nuclear Power Also Has Many Advantages... Should Be Properly Supplied to Maintain the Industry"

Prime Minister nominee Jeong Sye-gyun is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 8th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum and Jeon Jinyoung] Prime Minister nominee Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 8th regarding energy supply policies including the nuclear phase-out, "What the government is pursuing is not a nuclear phase-out policy but an energy transition policy."

At the confirmation hearing that day, in response to Rep. Sung Il-jong of the Liberty Korea Party's remark, "The nominee, who was once a proponent of nuclear power, has not mentioned nuclear power at all since this administration began, and ultimately changed his stance to align with this government at the confirmation hearing," Chung said this.

Chung added, "The lifespan of a nuclear power plant is 60 years. Even if it is short, we have to be together for 60 years, so how can it be a nuclear phase-out?" and said, "(Nuclear phase-out) is not an accurate expression."

Chung said, "Nuclear power also has various advantages in terms of environment and economic feasibility. However, after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, internationally and among the public, the perspective on nuclear power has changed. I also had a favorable view of nuclear power, but during my time as Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, I judged that the future trend is renewable energy, and started policies to increase the share of renewable energy."

However, he emphasized, "Just because we pursue renewable energy does not mean a sudden transition overnight. Due to fine dust and other reasons, there is public consensus to reduce coal power plants as much as possible. Under these various conditions, energy supply is very important for our country's industry to be properly maintained. Nuclear power, coal, natural gas, and renewable energy should be combined and supplied appropriately."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.