Moon, who promoted nuclear phase-out, says "Nuclear power will be the main baseload power source for the next 60 years" ahead of the presidential election

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in stated that "exporting nuclear power plants is only natural" in relation to reducing domestic nuclear power plants while exporting them. He also emphasized that nuclear power should be utilized as the main base-load power source for the next 60 years. This appears to be in consideration of criticism from opposition parties regarding the 'nuclear phase-out' policy.

On the 25th, during a meeting at the Blue House to review global energy supply chain issues, President Moon said, "Countries that need nuclear power highly value Korea's technology and experience and hope to import our nuclear power plants."

In response, Moon Seung-wook, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, mentioned that nuclear power importing countries highly appreciate Korea's technology and experience, and Choi Nam-woo, Vice President of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, replied that they will do their best in nuclear power exports as it also contributes to maintaining the nuclear ecosystem.

It seems that the Moon administration is mindful of opposition criticism that, despite advocating 'nuclear phase-out,' it is still exporting nuclear power plants. President Moon explained the reason for the 'nuclear phase-out' by saying, "Despite the advantages of nuclear power as an energy source, Korea has the highest density of nuclear power plants in the world, concentrated in specific regions, making it difficult to bear the damage if an accident occurs, so an energy mix transition is inevitable."

He continued, "Our government's energy transition policy involves the gradual implementation of stopping new nuclear power plant construction and prohibiting life extension of aged nuclear plants until 2084," emphasizing that nuclear power is being reduced step by step.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "For the next 60 years during which nuclear power will continue to operate, it should be sufficiently utilized as the main base-load power source," and instructed, "However, please maintain an appropriate capacity factor and make every effort to ensure the safety of nuclear power plants."

He added, "The construction of Shin Hanul Units 1 and 2 and Shin Kori Units 5 and 6 has been delayed due to earthquakes in Pohang and Gyeongju, void formation, and the application of domestic independent technology, but during this time, standards have been strengthened and proactive investments have been sufficiently made to enhance safety," and ordered, "Please inspect so that phased normal operation can be achieved as soon as possible."

President Moon stated, "It is important to secure world-leading technology in nuclear power," and said, "While accelerating technologies to improve nuclear safety, nuclear decommissioning technology, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) research, and nuclear fusion research, please also review and conclude the policy on spent nuclear fuel management at an early stage."

Meanwhile, on the same day, President Moon reviewed the current status of domestic nuclear power plants and discussed ways to secure future competitiveness amid rising global energy supply chain instability due to the Ukraine crisis. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported on the status and future preparations of nuclear power in response to global energy supply chain instability, the Ministry of Science and ICT reported on plans to secure future nuclear competitiveness, and the Ministry of Environment reported on the EU green taxonomy trends and response plans regarding nuclear power.

Professor Lee Jong-soo of Seoul National University, who attended as an external expert, suggested that since issues related to nuclear power such as SMRs and spent nuclear fuel require public acceptance, it is necessary to share related information and communicate with the public.

Additionally, Yoo Guk-hee, Chairperson of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, said that although maintenance periods have inevitably increased in the process of enhancing nuclear safety, unexpected accidents have decreased, and once Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power completes its maintenance measures, safety will be thoroughly and promptly confirmed without gaps.

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