South Korea’s Environment Minister, Kim Sung-whan, recently emphasized that nuclear power will remain part of the country’s energy strategy as it aims to reduce reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas. During his first press briefing following the announcement of a plan to reorganize the Environment Ministry to include energy policies, he made it clear that a complete phase-out of nuclear energy is not on the agenda.
Nuclear power is often viewed as dangerous, and Kim acknowledged this. However, he pointed out that South Korea has decades of experience operating nuclear reactors and currently faces low renewable energy adoption. “We need to keep our existing reactors in the energy mix,” he stated.
His comments come against a backdrop of political tension over nuclear energy. The previous government’s push for a nuclear phase-out faced heavy pushback from industry stakeholders and labor unions. Critics, including Rep. Lee Un-ju of the Democratic Party of Korea, have expressed concerns that the new direction could jeopardize energy security and job stability within the nuclear sector.
Kim responded to these criticisms, arguing for an integrated approach where environmental concerns shouldn’t be seen as wholly regulatory. He noted that many European countries successfully combine climate and energy governance and that South Korea is just beginning this journey. “Addressing the climate crisis requires urgent action,” he said, stressing that rapid cuts in fossil fuels are essential.
He also mentioned the critical need for coordinated climate and energy policies to meet South Korea’s 2030 emissions targets. He described the previous division of responsibilities between the Environment Ministry and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy as counterproductive, making policy implementation more complex.
In this context, some analysts point to recent surveys indicating that public opinion on nuclear power is shifting. A growing number of citizens seem to prioritize climate action over fears associated with nuclear energy, suggesting a potential shift in public sentiment.
As the new ministry evolves, officials will focus on addressing worker concerns through ongoing dialogue. The government plans to finalize the ministry’s directives soon, aiming for an official launch in early October.
In summary, Kim believes that by integrating climate and energy policies, South Korea can enhance its global competitiveness in green industries while adhering to its international climate commitments. The country is at a crossroads, where balancing energy needs, climate responsibilities, and public sentiment will be crucial for its sustainable future.
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