Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General, "Tanjungwi Scenario Impossible... Nuclear Power Needed for Carbon Neutrality" (Update)

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Keynote Speech at 'BIXPO 2021'
"Expanding Renewable Energy to 70.8% by 2050 is Impossible... Must Utilize Nuclear Power including SMR"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated on the 10th that "carbon neutrality without nuclear power is impossible" and called for the Moon Jae-in administration to completely change its nuclear power policy for carbon neutrality.

At the keynote speech held at the Gwangju Kim Dae-jung Convention Center during the 'Bitgaram International Electric Power Technology Expo 2021 (BIXPO 2021)', Ban emphasized, "The Carbon Neutrality Committee is presenting a carbon neutrality roadmap that practically excludes nuclear power."

He said, "The Carbon Neutrality Committee plans to increase the share of renewable energy to 70.8%, but many experts point out that this is impossible considering South Korea's geographical conditions and climate environment," adding, "(My view) differs from the current government's policy, but carbon neutrality without nuclear power is impossible." Earlier, the Carbon Neutrality Committee finalized the 2050 carbon neutrality scenario on the 18th of last month, which expands the renewable energy share from the current 6.6% to 70.8% by 2050. The 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to 2018.

He particularly mentioned that various countries overseas are expanding nuclear power as an alternative for carbon neutrality. Ban said, "Following France, the UK has decided to increase nuclear power as a core measure for carbon neutrality by 2050, and reports say China will build 150 nuclear reactors over the next 15 years," emphasizing, "Countries that were planning to reduce nuclear power are changing direction because they have recognized that carbon neutrality is impossible without nuclear power at present."

He also clearly stated that South Korea should leverage its strengths as a nuclear power nation. He explained, "Doosan Heavy Industries has agreed to build nuclear reactors in Romania in cooperation with the US-based NuScale Power," adding, "Since South Korea specializes in safe and efficient Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), we should make good use of our strengths."

He emphasized that carbon neutrality is "a path we must take for our own survival."

Ban Ki-moon said, "Although there are concerns from domestic companies and criticism from the media that the carbon reduction plan recently presented by our government is excessive, carbon neutrality is a path we must take," urging, "Let us realize carbon neutrality by 2050 through proactive efforts to advance carbon reduction technologies and nationwide cooperation, transform South Korea's industrial structure, and lead a new pattern of civilization."

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