"New Government Must Prioritize Energy Security... Need to Establish Energy Ministry"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ji Yeon-jin] The new government should prioritize energy security above all else and establish an independent energy ministry or create a government-affiliated control tower to manage it, according to claims made. It is argued that a realistic and rational energy policy must be reestablished to minimize the public burden amid inflation caused by soaring energy prices and green inflation.

According to PKF Seohyun Accounting Corporation on the 29th, at the energy forum held the previous day, Professor An Se-hyun of the University of Seoul stated in his presentation on "The Desirable Energy Policy Direction of the New Government" that energy security must be prioritized above all else amid the current global energy crisis.

He argued that it is necessary to reconsider the existing energy resource security policies based on oil and gas, taking into account the global energy crisis triggered by the Ukraine war and Europe's abnormal weather. He also suggested the need to establish a government-affiliated control tower that can comprehensively address energy security at the national level.

Professor An also emphasized the need to focus on establishing a more realistic energy mix in the mid to long term. He stated that energy transition can only be achieved if energy security forms the foundation. He also stressed the importance of building energy alliances through active energy diplomacy with energy superpowers and global energy companies.

He further argued for a complete overhaul of the nuclear phase-out policy and for rational adjustment of the proportion of power generation from nuclear energy within an appropriate range. However, regarding SMR (Small Modular Reactor), he pointed out that due to issues such as Korea's current technological competitiveness, site selection, land acceptance, and resident consensus, it may be somewhat unsuitable in Korea.

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