Minister of Environment: "Inclusion of Nuclear Power in K-Taxonomy Should Be Decided Through Social Consensus"

Press Conference with Ministry of Environment Correspondents

EU Final Plan Establishment to Take at Least 4 Months or More
Exclusion from Taxonomy Does Not Mean Inability to Secure Funding

Metropolitan Landfill Site to Be Fully Reinitiated After Local Elections
Final Plan for 'Zero-Emission Vehicle Supply Contribution Fee' to Be Announced Soon

Minister of Environment Han Jeong-ae. (File photo)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] On the 11th, Environment Minister Han Jeong-ae stated regarding the addition of nuclear power to the Korean-style Green Taxonomy (K-Taxonomy), "If decided through sufficient social consensus and discussion, it is possible."

Minister Han held a press briefing at the Government Complex Sejong and said, "In the case of the European Union (EU), the inclusion of nuclear power in the taxonomy is a conflict among member states, but in Korea, it would face conflict among the public."

Last year, the Ministry of Environment announced the final K-Taxonomy excluding nuclear power. At that time, the Ministry stated, "We will continuously monitor international trends such as the EU and consider the addition of nuclear power in the future, taking domestic circumstances into account." Subsequently, the EU Commission announced a draft green taxonomy including nuclear power and liquefied natural gas (LNG) power generation. The Ministry of Environment expects the EU to finalize the taxonomy after at least four months of discussion.

The EU included nuclear power and LNG power generation in the taxonomy draft, presenting various preconditions. Nuclear power is limited to cases with plans, funds, and sites for the safe disposal of radioactive waste, and for LNG, standards such as greenhouse gas emissions below 270g per 1kWh and replacement of more polluting fossil fuel power plants were set. Regarding this, Minister Han said, "There are conditions such as stable waste disposal plans and securing funds and sites for disposal, so there are criticisms questioning whether this will actually work." She added, "Even if Germany includes nuclear power in the taxonomy, it will proceed with its 2022 plan to 'shut down' nuclear plants. Regardless of what the EU does, Germany, Austria, and Denmark will move in that (nuclear shutdown) direction."

Minister Han emphasized that exclusion from the taxonomy does not block funding for the nuclear industry. She said, "Not being included in the taxonomy does not mean you cannot receive any financial investment," and pointed out, "The idea is to provide funding at a lower interest rate for fully eco-friendly projects, but it is dangerous to mislead people into thinking that investments are completely impossible."

The Ministry of Environment plans to pilot the K-Taxonomy from this year and announce a revised version based on it by the end of the year. Minister Han said, "The system will continue to be supplemented," adding, "Since only a few pilot projects will be conducted over one year, it would be good if the revision discussions and national consensus on the classification system are completed this year, but if not, I think it is necessary to take time and make improvements."

Below are key excerpts from a Q&A with Minister Han.

- There are claims about the necessity of establishing a new Ministry of Climate and Energy.

△ When a government is formed, it prioritizes national tasks by deciding "where to focus and run for the next five years." It considers how to organize the structure to run well together. If it is possible with the current government organization, it will continue as is; if not, organizational restructuring will follow because achieving results within five years would be difficult.

However, I recently saw an opinion at an administrative science conference suggesting that "rather than splitting factions, it might be better to combine bigger goals and move forward together." Considering these, when the transition committee is formed, it will have to reorganize the structure considering task priorities, speed, and intensity. Although various candidates have different opinions, government ministries inevitably think from a departmental perspective. Even if there are opinions now, I think it is better not to express them.

- What is the Ministry of Environment's stance on the Metropolitan Landfill Site?

△ The Metropolitan Landfill Site has been maintained for the past 30 years, and during this time, there may have been inconveniences and unfairness for Incheon citizens. The four parties?Incheon City, Seoul City, Gyeonggi Province, and the Ministry of Environment?have been negotiating. From 2026, direct landfill of household waste in the metropolitan area will be banned, and construction waste, which accounts for the largest portion, will also be banned from landfill starting this year. Recycling must be done as much as possible, and only the final residual waste will be landfilled. From 2025, all construction waste landfilling will be prohibited. The Ministry of Environment will continue to play a coordinating role. I hope it will not be a confrontational approach because this issue cannot be resolved through conflict. If there is any small damage, the Ministry's role is to provide other support to offset it and make it acceptable to local residents.

Since it is a political season (presidential and local elections), various discussions may arise. The Ministry of Environment will prepare a path for the three parties to meet and negotiate. The Ministry plans to reestablish a third-party position with a long-term perspective after the local elections.

- Please explain the detailed plan currently under review regarding the 'supply contribution fee' related to the zero-emission vehicle supply target system.

△ Last year, we had extensive consultations with vehicle manufacturers, large corporations, and smaller manufacturers. We secured flexibility so that companies can accept it to some extent. If this year's (zero-emission vehicle supply) performance exceeds the target, rollover will be possible, and if some companies fail to meet the target but others exceed it, trading of performance will also be allowed. We plan to secure various flexibilities. The final discussion on the contribution fee level is in its final stages. We expect to finalize and officially announce it within a week.

- Wind power generation is not progressing well.

△ Wind power takes longer to prepare than solar power, but the reason it is delayed compared to Europe is mainly due to local acceptance. There are many fishermen and fishing grounds to manage, so a lot of time is needed for consultations with fishermen.

The 'Wind Power Special Act' has been submitted to the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee. The idea is to proceed with all possible measures in parallel. On one side, acceptance, and on the other, to reduce time by starting construction as soon as permits are completed. We hope that once this law is enacted, projects will be much more time-efficient and predictable.

- What are the expansion plans for the 'Carbon Point System' introduced this year?

△ The Carbon Point System is a race without a finish line. The targets for earning points will continue to be created. Currently, we prioritized immediate display through partnerships with credit card companies. Additionally, we will convert feasible ideas from the public into points as soon as they can be implemented in the system. Currently, refill stations (detergent, shampoo) and electronic receipts are only done by a few contracted companies. Once this starts, I believe other places will proceed rapidly. Also, most utility bills are received by mail now, but receiving them by email will also earn points, and more additions will continue. Next year, we plan to give more points to citizens who practice more.

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