In this blog post, we’ll look at whether abandoning nuclear power is the best way to solve South Korea’s energy problems, discussing the pros and cons of nuclear power and the possibilities of alternative energy.
The modern world is developing rapidly, providing us with countless conveniences. Advances in information and communication technology, transportation, and medical innovations have all greatly improved our standard of living. However, these advances have not always had positive consequences. The dark side of this rapid development is the environmental problems we face and the depletion of energy resources. In particular, electricity shortages are becoming a serious problem every year as the demand for electricity skyrockets, causing inconvenience to many people. Rising temperatures and extreme weather due to global warming is also one of the major issues that threaten humanity’s sustainable development.
As a highly efficient and non-polluting energy source, nuclear energy has been proposed as a good alternative to solve these problems. In Korea, nuclear power is responsible for a significant amount of energy production, and its economic benefits are considerable. However, after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011, the public’s anxiety about nuclear power increased sharply due to the scandal of the nuclear power plant. In this situation, the 7th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, which includes the construction of two additional nuclear power plants, was announced, causing great controversy among the public.
To understand the severity of the energy problem, it is necessary to look at the trends and status of the global energy market. Currently, South Korea ranks eighth in the world in terms of energy consumption and electricity consumption, with oil and coal accounting for the largest share of primary energy supply. However, this fossil fuel-centric energy supply structure is causing a number of problems. In recent years, major countries such as the EU, Japan, and the US have prioritized investments in the energy efficiency market, and research on highly efficient energy sources has been actively conducted in line with this trend. In this situation, Korea’s energy supply structure, which relies on coal and oil, is not in line with global market trends, and in the long run, it may reduce Korea’s competitiveness.
The case of Germany illustrates this problem. Since its nuclear-free declaration, Germany has increased the share of fossil fuels such as coal in its energy supply, but as a result, it is experiencing side effects such as higher electricity prices. This example demonstrates the low efficiency of fossil fuels compared to nuclear power, and South Korea’s abandonment of nuclear power and reliance on thermal power would likely result in significant economic losses. Furthermore, the long-term use of fossil fuels can exacerbate environmental problems. The volatility of international oil and petroleum prices can cause economic damage, while uranium, the resource for nuclear power, is evenly distributed around the world, providing a stable energy supply.
The importance of nuclear power is not just limited to its economic efficiency. Currently, South Korea’s greenhouse gas emissions are very high, ranking seventh in the world and fourth among OECD countries. When looking at GHG emissions by energy source, coal accounts for 43.9%, oil for 35.3%, and gas for 20.3%. These data clearly show the negative environmental impact of fossil fuel use. Nuclear power, on the other hand, is a technology that produces almost no greenhouse gas emissions during the power generation process, and the construction of additional nuclear power plants will contribute significantly to effectively reducing South Korea’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Some may argue that the country should utilize more renewable energy instead of nuclear power to address environmental concerns. However, when analyzing South Korea’s renewable energy potential, the reality is that it is very difficult to achieve a reliable power supply. For example, wind power is only available in certain areas, and geothermal and wave power have very narrow coverage due to geographical restrictions. Solar power is highly dependent on the weather, which makes it difficult to provide reliable power, and its efficiency is still low. Biomass technology is limited in terms of environmental protection, as it produces a higher percentage of greenhouse gas emissions than oil or coal.
In this context, nuclear power gains importance as the only reliable and greenhouse gas-free alternative. Furthermore, the construction of additional nuclear power plants could have a significant positive impact on the Korean economy. In developing countries such as India, the demand for highly efficient energy is very high, and interest in nuclear power is steadily increasing. In Europe, an increasing number of countries are aiming to reduce their carbon emissions, which has led to a growing demand for nuclear technology.
The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that the nuclear power technology market will reach $7.4 trillion over the next decade. Countries such as Russia and China, which are actively participating in this market, are gaining an advantage in the global market by exporting nuclear power-related technologies, which not only helps them gain economic benefits but also strengthens diplomatic relations. Similarly, the development and export of nuclear technology will be an important factor that can bring economic and diplomatic benefits to South Korea.
Many may remember the massive blackout that occurred in September 2011. This event highlighted the rapidly increasing energy demand and electricity consumption in South Korea. Of course, efforts to reduce unnecessary energy consumption are important and should be prioritized in the long term. However, the reality is that simply reducing consumption is not enough to solve the energy shortage problem. Research and investment in nuclear power, a highly efficient source of energy, is already underway in countries around the world and is generating significant economic benefits. By continuing to invest in nuclear power, Korea will be able to solve the energy shortage problem and strengthen its competitiveness in the global market.
In conclusion, nuclear power is more than just a means of providing energy; it is an important resource that offers economic, environmental, and diplomatic benefits. If we shy away from nuclear power because it is dangerous, we are giving up on solving Korea’s energy shortage. There is no substitute for nuclear energy with current technology, so the best option is to continue investing in nuclear energy while developing alternative technologies.
