Environmental Groups Grill President Lee on Nuclear Power Plans, Demand Answers on Five Key Issues

Environmental and anti-nuclear organizations have voiced strong opposition to President Lee Jae-myung's administration's renewed push for nuclear power plant construction, a stark departure from earlier commitments to prioritize renewable energy. These groups, united under the 'National Emergency Action to Halt New Nuclear Power Plant Construction,' have directly challenged the President, posing five critical questions that cut to the heart of the government's energy policy.

“

The electricity demand of AI data centers is rapidly changing, but new nuclear power plants will not be completed until 2037-2038. Future electricity demand should be solved with 'local production for local consumption' and 'renewable energy + energy storage systems'.

The core of their argument lies in the perceived disconnect between the administration's energy strategy and the realities of future energy needs and environmental sustainability. They point to the long lead times for nuclear plant construction, which may not align with rapidly evolving energy demands, particularly from sectors like AI data centers. Instead, they advocate for decentralized renewable energy solutions and energy storage systems as more responsive and sustainable alternatives.

“

If new nuclear power plant construction and renewable energy expansion are pursued simultaneously, the power grid could be overloaded, leading to a large-scale blackout. If the output of nuclear power is reduced due to this risk, the safety of nuclear power plants will be threatened, and if renewable energy generation is reduced, it will be difficult to achieve RE100.

Furthermore, the organizations warn of potential grid instability and safety risks if nuclear power and renewable energy expansion are pursued simultaneously. They argue that either nuclear output would need to be curtailed, compromising safety, or renewable energy targets, like RE100, would be jeopardized. The issues of new transmission line construction, nuclear waste management, and the inherent risks of concentrating multiple reactors in one area are also central to their concerns, highlighting potential social conflicts and environmental hazards.

“

Currently, 20 nuclear reactors are concentrated in the southeastern region, and additional transmission lines are needed to send power to the Seoul metropolitan area, where electricity demand is high. Conflicts arise in this process, projects are delayed, and social costs increase.

From our perspective at Hankyoreh, the President's pivot towards nuclear energy, despite earlier pledges, raises serious questions about transparency and public consultation. While the government cites energy security and economic benefits, we believe a robust public debate is essential. The administration's refusal to participate in a direct discussion with these groups is concerning. This story matters locally because it directly impacts our environment, our energy security, and the future direction of our nation's industrial policy. Western media often focuses on the global energy transition debate, but here, it's about a specific national policy shift that warrants close scrutiny and public engagement.

“

Currently, temporary dry storage is leading to permanent storage. Safety standards and management systems must be established based on long-term dry storage.