Mansour, CEO of US Electric Power Research Institute, "South Korea's Nuclear Industry Must Be Further Developed"

BIXPO 2022 Press Conference
"Energy Mix Including Nuclear Power Needed"

On the 2nd, at the '2022 BIXPO' held at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju, Ashad Mansur, CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), is speaking. (Photo by Korea Electric Power Corporation)

[Asia Economy Gwangju=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Ashad Mansur, CEO of the U.S. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), stated on the 2nd that "Korea plays a pivotal role in the nuclear power industry and must further develop nuclear power plants."

After delivering the keynote speech at the 'Bitgaram International Electric Power Technology Expo 2022' (BIXPO 2022) held at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju, Mansur told reporters, "Renewable energies such as solar and wind are important but not sufficient," adding, "We must lead carbon neutrality through an energy mix that includes nuclear power."

He further added, "If Korea develops small modular nuclear reactors, nuclear power can establish itself as an energy source capable of reducing carbon emissions."

He explained that many countries, including France, consider nuclear power as a strategy for energy generation that can reduce carbon emissions. Mansur elaborated, "In France, 80% of electricity production comes from nuclear power," and "Just a year ago, nuclear power was not included in energy policies, but six months ago, the energy policy shifted focus to nuclear power, and they plan to build large-scale nuclear power plants."

Additionally, he emphasized, "While energy sources were previously fuel-centered, an era where raw materials become important is coming," and "if clean raw materials like hydrogen can be produced domestically, or liquid fuels and ammonia can be produced within the country, there will be no need to rely on foreign sources anymore."

To enhance Korea's energy efficiency, Mansur stated, "Power systems are essential for achieving net zero," explaining, "For example, this system is indispensable for achieving net zero in transportation and construction." He added, "Improving transmission and distribution systems and transitioning diesel and gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles are also important for energy efficiency," and "In construction, it is necessary to establish cleaner systems operated by electricity that are better maintained."

Regarding renewable energy, he said, "Wind and solar energy are variable power sources, so an 'energy mix' that appropriately combines them with fossil fuels is necessary," emphasizing, "In the long term, fossil fuels should only be used as backup, and eventually, backup energy sources should also be replaced with hydrogen fuel and others."

Meanwhile, in his keynote speech, Mansur said, "Where hurricanes used to occur once every 100 years, they now come every year," and "In an unpredictable reality of climate change, we must prepare to ensure sufficiently stable energy supply."

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