Green Korea: The Nuclear Option
Nuclear Power Moving Forward in Korea
Written By Choi Shin-ae
South Korea was introduced to nuclear power in the 70s after it was promoted as stable energy supplier. Nuclear power plant construction has been ongoing since the first nuclear power plant Gori 1 started its operations in 1978. With an installed capacity of 1,872,000 kilowatts, Gori 1 made Korea the world’s sixth largest nuclear power generator.
The government plans to increase nuclear power’s share of the country’s energy supply to 29 percent by 2035. In addition to the 23 installed nuclear plants, more plants will be built to help the country meet its goal of 40 nuclear plants. Gori 3 and 4 nuclear plants are both under construction and they will begin operating by 2017. Gori 5 and 6 will be completed by 2022.
Although great as an energy source, nuclear power has the significant danger of radiation leaks. Nuclear power plants are constantly managing radiation and radioactive waste during operation. There are many safety procedures in place in case of an emergency and The Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety provides information about such procedures on its website www.kins.re.kr.
After the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, Germany, Switzerland and Italy chose to close their nuclear power plants. In Germany, they declared firm plans to close 17 nuclear power plants by 2022. The U.S. and China also made changes, such as modifying additional construction policies. Only two of Japan’s 43 operable nuclear plants have re-opened since they were shut down in 2013.
In Korea, the government has to reinforce the need for strong safety policies as it continues to promote growth. Even minor accidents can raise anxiety among citizens. Thorough pre-training, safety checks, and installing layers of protection shields are all necessary to prevent accidents.
While committed to the nuclear safety issues, many experts have studied alternative energy sources to replace these plants, such as nuclear fusion energy and renewable energy sources, which are more eco-friendly. Nuclear fusion does not create high-levels of radioactive waste. As a result of innovations in wind power technology, energy generation from wind turbines has increased from two gigawatts in 1990 to 280 gigawatts in 2012.
In Korea, Jeolla province has planned a project to generate five gigawatts of wind energy annually by installing one tubine on the southwest coast and four turbines offshore. The government is also pushing a plan to build wind power plants along the coasts of Youngkwang and Buan, Jeolla. Jeollanam-do has already undergone a pre-feasibility study for the project. There is also a long-term plan to build renewable energy facilities with a huge investment of 15 trillion won over 20 years.
The issue of nuclear power is sure to continue to be a topic of debate in the future. On November 13, 2015, the government rejected a referendum by Yeongdeok citizens hoping to stop the construction of two nuclear reactors in the area. Even though 91.7 percent of voters (11,201 citizens) cast a vote against the proposed plans, the government will proceed with construction.
Society should consider the reasons why residents held the referendum even though they expected resistance. Our government should reconsider its nuclear plans and what is best for citizens now and generations to come.