Nuclear Energy Day Amid Decommissioning Controversy... Industry Minister: "Nuclear Power's Role in Carbon Neutrality"

126 Points Awarded to Nuclear Power Veterans

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] The government awarded contributors to nuclear power generation in celebration of the 11th 'Nuclear Safety and Promotion Day' this year.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the '11th Nuclear Safety and Promotion Day' commemorative event on the 23rd at the InterContinental Seoul COEX Hotel, jointly with the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission.

The event was attended by Moon Seung-wook, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy; Yong Hong-taek, Vice Minister of Science and ICT; and Jang Bo-hyun, Secretary General of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, who awarded contributors to nuclear safety, exports, and technology development. They also urged efforts to explore the role of nuclear power in the changed environment of carbon neutrality and energy transition.

In his encouragement speech, Minister Moon said, "This year, there were achievements such as the start of commercial operation of Unit 1 at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the successful grid connection of Barakah Unit 2, and the agreement between the Korean and U.S. presidents for joint entry into overseas nuclear power markets." He added, "We will recognize the role and responsibility of nuclear power in the process of promoting carbon neutrality and energy transition and strive to maintain and complement the ecosystem."

To this end, he presented policy directions including ▲ safe operation of nuclear power plants and securing new export markets ▲ strengthening support for core personnel and technology to maintain the competitiveness of the nuclear ecosystem ▲ discovering and fostering future promising fields such as nuclear power plant decommissioning and small modular reactors (SMR).

The government awarded a total of 126 honors, including orders of merit and presidential citations, to contributors in nuclear safety, exports, and technology development, including Park Sang-hyung, Executive Vice President of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. Vice President Park received the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Gold Tower, for his contributions to establishing a digital technology-based nuclear power plant operation infrastructure and establishing a commercialization roadmap for innovative SMR technology development.

Nuclear Safety and Promotion Day, held annually on December 27, was designated as a legal commemorative day in 2009 following the export of nuclear power plants to the UAE. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission rotate hosting the event, with this year hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Regarding this event, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to open an online nuclear exhibition hall on the 27th to continuously promote Korea's advanced nuclear technology. It will introduce Korea's nuclear power generation history, nuclear export and cooperation achievements, the Ministry of Science and ICT's nuclear technology development strategy, and advanced nuclear technologies.

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