FKI: "US, China, and EU All Recognize Nuclear Power, Only Korea Goes the Opposite Way"

"Review Green Taxonomy Guidelines to Include Nuclear Power"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hye-young] On the 5th, the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) criticized the South Korean government, saying "Only our country is going backward," in response to the European Union (EU) Commission's decision to include nuclear power in its green taxonomy.

Yoo Hwan-ik, head of the FKI's Industrial Headquarters, said, "The EU Commission's final plan acknowledges that the use of nuclear power and natural gas is essential to achieve carbon reduction targets, despite opposition from some member states including Germany."

He added, "This is a result of the EU experiencing an energy crisis in 2021 due to instability in renewable energy (wind power) and natural gas supply, which made them realize the importance of nuclear power plants that are economical, stable, and carbon-free."

He then criticized the South Korean government's policy of excluding nuclear power. Yoo said, "Last December, the Ministry of Environment announced the 'Korean Green Taxonomy (K-Taxonomy) Guidelines' excluding nuclear power generation," and pointed out, "There are growing concerns that this will lead to the loss of momentum for new nuclear power plant construction and investment in next-generation nuclear technology."

He continued, "While the US, China, and the EU consider nuclear power as a key means for carbon neutrality, only we are going backward," and requested, "The government should review the green taxonomy guidelines and include nuclear power generation as a green technology."

On the 2nd (local time), the EU Commission finalized and proposed a green taxonomy regulation including nuclear power and natural gas. The final plan is expected to be implemented from next year after collecting opinions from member state governments.

If the EU makes a final decision to include nuclear power in the taxonomy, the South Korean government may also reconsider related policies. Minister of Environment Han Jeong-ae hinted at the possibility of changes according to the EU policy, saying in January, "Depending on whether nuclear power is included in the EU taxonomy, there is a possibility of re-discussion domestically."

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