EU's nuclear power return... What's the impact of nuclear power plant on Korea?

EU has finalized a final plan to classify SMR as a "green economy"

*SMR = Small modular reactor

Developed countries such as the European Union (EU) and the United States are increasing nuclear power.

This is because nuclear power plants with low carbon emissions are essential to realize carbon neutrality in 2050. In this case, nuclear power plants are classified as green industries, giving them financial or financial benefits. This means that investment in nuclear power plants will increase, which could expand nuclear power plant facilities.

 *France: Plan to build up to 14 nuclear power plants by 2050.

 *UK: Plan to build 16 SMRs by 2050.

 *US: Plan to invest in next-generation reactor development

 *China: Plan to build 150 nuclear power plants by 2035.

Then, what is the difference between SMR and existing nuclear power plants?

SMR is a small reactor with an electric power of around 300MW that integrates major devices such as reactors, steam generators, coolant pumps, and pressurizers of existing large nuclear power plants into one container. SMR is considered a game changer for future energy with little carbon emissions and excellent safety and economic feasibility compared to large nuclear power plants.

World-class wealthy people have also started investing in SMR. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett plan to build a small nuclear power plant called "Natrium" using sodium within 10 years.

What's the current policy direction in Korea?

At the end of last year, the Ministry of Environment excluded nuclear power plants from the Korean green classification system, or "K-Taxonomy." This is in accordance with the government's renewable energy policy. The Presidential Carbon Neutral Committee has decided to lower the proportion of nuclear power generation from 29% in 2020 to 6-7% in 2050, and significantly increase the renewable energy generation ratio, which is 6.6%, to 30.2% in 2030 and 60-70% in 2050.

To this end, the government virtually scrapped the construction of a total of four new nuclear power plants. The number of nuclear power plants currently in operation is 24, but in 2034, it will be reduced to 17.

Will Korea's nuclear power plant policy be different?

Nuclear policy may be re-determined due to the upcoming presidential election. Conservative candidates are advocating a return to nuclear power plants, and progressive party candidates want to maintain their current policies. (The current president was a candidate for the Progressive Party in the past) It is expected that a direction for Korea's energy policy will be set only after the presidential election.

About returning to the nuclear power plant...

Does it look good on the outside? In reality, it is a form of exchanging soil pollution and waste treatment for air pollution and carbon emissions. In a way, this is also net zero.

I heard that mankind continues to grow... In a way, it may be in place.