In the Era of Carbon Neutrality, "For the Future, It's Time to Start Excavating the Radioactive Waste Disposal Site"

Carbon Neutrality Is an Irreversible Trend
CF100 Is More Suitable Than RE100 for Korea's Reality
Nuclear Waste Disposal Site Construction Is an Urgent Issue

The government announced the 'National Carbon Neutral Green Growth Basic Plan' last month. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions to 'zero' by 2050. A notable point is the plan to harmonize nuclear power and renewable energy. As of 2021, nuclear power accounted for 27.4% and renewable energy 7.5% of total electricity production. The target is to increase these shares to 32.4% and 21.6%, respectively, by 2030. This clearly reveals a policy shift from phasing out nuclear power to returning to it. It is evaluated that the government chose 'CF100 (Carbon capture and storage 100)' instead of 'RE100 (Renewable Electricity 100)' as the methodology for carbon-free green growth.

The trend to protect the Earth by using carbon-free energy is an unstoppable global movement. There are two main approaches. One is to use renewable energy such as solar, hydro, and wind power. The representative campaign is 'RE100.' It is an international private sector campaign to supply 100% of electricity consumption from renewable energy by 2050. Global companies like Apple and Microsoft participate and require their partners to implement RE100. Major Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics are also joining. Renewable energy is an eco-friendly and ideal power source.

However, many argue that RE100 is an unrealistic goal considering Korea's geographical conditions. Korea has no deserts with year-round sunshine. Moreover, the land is limited, making it difficult to install solar power facilities. There are few places with strong and consistent winds suitable for wind turbines. Rivers flow slowly, and there are no large waterfalls. In short, Korea has the worst conditions for renewable energy production. According to Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)'s January 2023 'Monthly Electricity Statistics Report,' renewable energy accounts for only 8.1% of electricity production. Annually, this amounts to 52,740 GWh. This is insufficient even to cover the electricity consumption of the top 20 high-usage companies in 2021, which was 87,794 GWh. Considering future facility expansions in the semiconductor industry, which has high electricity demand, the situation is even more challenging.

The Moment of Choosing Ideal RE100 or Realistic CF100

The 2030 NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) related Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Committee - Economic Organizations - Economic Organizations meeting was held on the 16th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Chairman Kim Sang-hyeop is giving a greeting. Photo by Huh Younghan younghan@

Therefore, the government turned its attention to another carbon-neutral campaign, 'CF100,' instead of RE100. CF100 advocates using 100% 'carbon-free energy sources.' It considers not only renewable energy but also hydrogen and nuclear power as carbon-free energy sources. Google is a representative company that has declared CF100.

In this regard, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted a survey last year targeting 300 domestic manufacturers. 62.2% responded that 'pursuing CF100 instead of RE100 is necessary considering domestic realities.' This aligns well with the government's recent announcement. The government's goal is to promote carbon neutrality with the dual wings of nuclear power and renewable energy. In other words, the government's National Carbon Neutral Green Growth Basic Plan can be seen as almost identical to CF100.

However, whether the government can proceed as planned remains uncertain. Environmental groups are opposing the plan, citing that the share of renewable energy power generation has decreased compared to previously announced targets. They have also filed administrative lawsuits demanding the cancellation of the plan. The idealism of environmental groups and the realism of the government are about to clash in court.

The Key Issue: Radioactive Waste Disposal Site

Moreover, there is a major obstacle on the path to CF100. The EU (European Union) included nuclear power alongside existing renewable energy in its 'taxonomy (green classification system)' but added a caveat. It requires detailed plans and implementation for the safe storage and disposal of 'high-level radioactive waste.' To have nuclear power recognized as eco-friendly and green energy, a radioactive waste disposal site (radwaste site) must be established.

Korea is a strong country in the nuclear power sector. However, there is not a single radwaste site in Korea yet. It has been 45 years since the first nuclear power plant started operation in 1978, but no disposal site has been built due to strong opposition from residents near the proposed construction sites. The waste accumulated from the 24 currently operating nuclear reactors is stored in temporary storage facilities. As of the fourth quarter of 2021, 98.1% of the total capacity was filled. If this continues, saturation will be reached in the 2030s. This could lead to a situation where nuclear power plant operations might have to be halted.

Even if a radwaste site location is confirmed immediately, it will take decades to become operational. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced in 2021 that securing a radwaste site takes approximately 37 years. Currently, a special law related to radwaste site construction is pending in the National Assembly. Professor Yoon Jong-il of KAIST's Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering said, "Building a radwaste site is an urgent task to keep up with the global trend of carbon neutrality," adding, "It should not be delayed any further for the country's future." To realize the government's National Carbon Neutral Green Growth Basic Plan, the government must solve a problem that no one has resolved for decades.

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