International

South Korea’s president says will continue phasing out nuclear power

Image: South Korean President Moon Jae-In (R) and Defense Minister Song Young-Moo review the troops during a commemoration ceremony marking South Korea’s Armed Forces Day, which will fall on October 1, at the Second Fleet Command of Navy in Pyeongtaek on September 28, 2017. REUTERS/Jung Yeon-Je/Pool/Files

Reuters Logo

By Christine Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in said on Sunday the government will continue to phase out nuclear-generated electricity, following a public opinion survey that dealt a blow to his plans to do so.

“We will completely stop all plans for the construction of new nuclear reactors like the government previously stated,” Moon said in a statement distributed to reporters by his office.

“The government will also step up usage of natural gas and renewables in order to maintain its stance of phasing out nuclear-generated power.”

Moon’s statement came after a public opinion survey on Friday found a majority of almost 60 percent in favour of resuming the stalled construction of two reactors.

The president asked his supporters on Sunday to respect the outcome of the survey, which he called a “wise and intelligent” response.

Completing the two reactors could mean a reversal of a strategy to slowly reduce nuclear energy’s share of the power mix, and also significantly eat into the liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand of the world’s second-largest consumer of the fuel.

With the two reactors set to be completed in October 2021 and October 2022, according to state-run nuclear operator Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Moon said safety standards for nuclear plants would be ramped up.

Moon also reiterated his plan to shut down the Wolsong No. 1 nuclear reactor, the nation’s second-oldest, once the government confirms stability in energy supplies.

The 697-megawatt reactor in southeastern South Korea was taken offline in 2012 after reaching its 30-year lifespan, but the regulator approved a restart a few years ago until 2022.

South Korea has 24 nuclear reactors, supplying a third of its electricity.

(Reporting by Christine Kim; Additional reporting by Jane Chung; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

Copyright 2017 Thomson Reuters. Click for Restrictions.

Related posts

ROBOTIC COMPETITION OUTCOME

Thomas Huliambari

Football legend Pel? sues Samsung over image in newspaper ad

EMTV Online

Full Orlando 911 transcript released; gunman pledged allegiance to Islamic State

EMTV Online

Leave a Comment

error: Content is protected !!