[Interview] Jang Sunheung: "Moon Administration's Energy Policy Should Shift from 'Nuclear Phase-out' to 'Decarbonization'"

<Asia Economy Inaugural Project - Asking About the Economy of the Republic of Korea>

④ Jang Sun-heung, President of Handong Global University

The global trend is shifting towards an electric and hydrogen society

Decarbonization is impossible without nuclear power plants

Korea has the best technological competitiveness, but

If the current nuclear phase-out situation continues for 1-2 years,

the supply chain will break and the nuclear ecosystem will collapse

Construction of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 must resume,

and a proactive approach to extending nuclear plant lifespans is necessary

Jang Sunheung, President of Handong Global University, is being interviewed by Asia Economy. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Pohang=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] "We don't have much time. If the current situation of not building new nuclear power plants and not extending their lifespans continues for just 1-2 years, the supply chain will break and the nuclear ecosystem will collapse."

Jang Sun-heung, President of Handong Global University (68), who devoted 37 years to the nuclear field from his appointment to KAIST's Department of Nuclear Engineering in 1982 until his retirement in 2019, recently emphasized in an interview commemorating Asia Economy's 33rd anniversary, "The Moon Jae-in administration should shift its energy policy focus from nuclear phase-out to decarbonization."

His message was clear. If the government's energy policy goal is not to "kill Korea's nuclear industry," then the nuclear phase-out policy must be abandoned. He advised that the Moon administration acknowledge that "decarbonization is impossible without nuclear power" and at least resume construction of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 while proactively pursuing nuclear plant lifespan extensions.

President Jang has been at the core of Korea's nuclear sector. In the late 1980s, during the construction of Yeonggwang Units 3 and 4, he advocated for and succeeded in installing safety depressurization devices to reduce pressure in the reactor system, thereby lowering the probability of major accidents. In 1988, he contributed to nuclear fuel technology independence. In 2009, as KAIST's vice president, he also contributed to the export of the Barakah nuclear power plant to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). When the UAE government pointed out that "Korean nuclear power plants (APR1400) are cheaper but less safe compared to French ones," President Jang traveled to the UAE more than ten times to meet with senior officials and alleviate safety concerns. He was a hidden key figure behind the Barakah nuclear power plant export.

He emphasized, "The core of global energy policy is producing electricity and hydrogen without carbon emissions," adding, "Currently, nuclear power is the only method that can achieve this on a large and stable scale." He stressed, "Until renewable energy technology matures, nuclear power must be the foundation."

The following is a Q&A held at the president's office at Handong Global University in Pohang, Gyeongbuk.

- How has Korea's nuclear power status evolved?

▲ The Department of Nuclear Engineering was established at KAIST in 1982. At that time, among Korean nuclear scientists, there was a widespread perception that "Korea can build and manufacture nuclear power plants but cannot handle core designs like nuclear fuel." However, I believed it was entirely possible. Subsequently, in the early 1990s, we developed nuclear fuel, and by the mid-1990s, we completed the design of the Korean-type pressurized water reactor. By the mid-1990s, Korea proved that it could handle not only construction and manufacturing but also core design. In 2001, we completed the design of the new pressurized water reactor, APR1400, which led to the export of the Barakah nuclear power plant to the UAE. I can confidently say that Korea's nuclear technology remains number one.

- What is the problem with the nuclear phase-out policy?

▲ Since the Barakah nuclear power plant, there have been no manufacturing or construction achievements. If this situation continues and the nuclear industry loses momentum, it is only a matter of time before technological superiority is lost. The government points to exports as an alternative, but even if exports are secured immediately, it does not mean work will start right away. At minimum, construction of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 must resume, or lifespan extensions for existing nuclear plants must be pursued.

- How should energy policy be changed?

▲ Going forward, the world, including Korea, will shift to an electric and hydrogen society. To achieve a carbon-free electric and hydrogen society, the only alternatives that do not emit carbon dioxide during power generation are nuclear power and renewables. It would be ideal to produce electricity solely from renewables, but realistically, that is difficult.

- You met Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft (MS), twice. What are his thoughts on nuclear power?

▲ I was invited by TerraPower and first met him in the U.S. in 2012. At that time, Bill Gates had stepped down from MS management and was engaged in philanthropy, realizing the importance of electricity. He became interested in Korea, where electricity prices are low despite having no energy resources, and invited me as a key member of Korea's nuclear sector. When I asked him why he supports nuclear power, he said, "What better way to show support for nuclear power than investing directly myself?" Bill Gates had strong confidence in nuclear power.

- Korea and the U.S. have formed a nuclear alliance. What effects can be expected?

▲ This Korea-U.S. nuclear alliance can combine Korea's industrial competitiveness with the U.S.'s international influence. I also hope the Korean government benchmarks the U.S. case of extending nuclear plant lifespans to 80 years during cooperation. Legally and technically, Korea can also operate plants for 80 years like the U.S. I sincerely hope the government adheres to current laws. Through this alliance, Korea can lead design, manufacturing, and construction, while the U.S. leads operation and maintenance. However, commercial profit distribution should be decided by the private sector, not the government. Economic distribution requires negotiations where both sides can "win-win." If the government intervenes, it could be disadvantageous for us. The government's role should be limited to declaring the nuclear alliance.

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