By Jang Daul
This was a breakthrough presidential election for Korea. It was driven by the strongest public demand in modern Korean history, and the result is a testament to the power of people. Especially the young who clearly wish to participate in the shaping of the country's future and they have lots to say. This election was about more than replacing a corrupt government ― it was about justice, fairness, democracy and quality of life.
Due to the unusual nature of the election, new President Moon Jae-in took over immediately ― and had to start delivering on his election promises.
As people witnessed a risky and polluting energy system which mainly benefitted chaebol and elite groups, most leading presidential candidates spoke openly about cancelling new nuclear and coal-fired plants, and supporting renewable energy. Moon specifically has committed to halt the construction of new nuclear reactors, and to plan a gradual nuclear phase out within 40 years. Moon has also promised to suspend construction of new coal-fired projects, the early shutdown of old coal power plants, improve emission regulations and innovate the running of coal-fired power plants. Overall, Moon's plan is to achieve 20 percent electricity generation by 2030.
In Korea, this election clearly signals a change of direction. The environmental cost, security issues and local conflict surrounding government-sanctioned energy projects is no longer a price that voters are willing to pay, not even in traditionally conservative communities. For the first time, a coal and nuclear phase out are a mainstream issue which crosses party lines. Renewable energy is no longer "liberal" or "conservative," but simply a matter of public interest.
Internationally, due to its outdated energy policy, Korea has long become one of the international "climate slackers" among OECD countries. The coal and nuclear phase outs promised by Moon mean that Korea can take a stronger position in international efforts to save the climate.
As an independent global environmental organization, we welcome Moon's commitment to fix the mistakes of previous governments ― but we also want to be clear: Korea could and should do even better.
There are three tasks which should be undertaken by the new president and his cabinet immediately to modernize Korean energy and ensure the citizens' right to safety, security and happiness in life:
First, fulfill the promise not to build any new coal or nuclear capacity. This goes beyond cancelling the construction of controversial projects like ShinKori 5 and 6, or Dangjin "Eco Power" and Samcheok POS Power ― it means cancelling nine new coal-fired plants and 11 nuclear reactors. This is a critical first step to an energy transition for Korea, which is possible due to already installed LNG capacity. It is, however, necessary to make this step in parallel with renewable solutions for zero CO2 emissions, decent jobs and economic growth.
Second, initiate an energy policy reform with the people, and for the people. The current national energy policy is a legacy of the previous governments, focused on old, dirty and dangerous fossil fuel and nuclear power. It brings environmental conflict, pollution and security concerns to local communities, and it no longer fits in with regional or public interest. Currently, the governments of Jeju, South Chungcheon, Gyeonggi and Seoul City already have innovative local energy transition plans. These plans are already more ambitious than presidential candidates' promises, and they should be supported by the central government.
And third, create a policy environment that will drive investment into clean and sustainable renewable energy and attract and meet the needs of corporations, SMEs and individual investors. To boost the decreasing economy and compete in a global market, the Korean energy market should be designed in a way that promotes Korea's strong potential for renewable energy. Recently, Gangwon Province, the host to the 100% renewable PyeongChang Winter Olympics, has also become a region to house green data centers. Companies like Naver and Samsung SDS are moving to build new data centers in the region.
Are these easy promises to fulfill? Of course not. However, all of President Moon's ambitious domestic commitments would still put Korea far behind global developments. The new government now has a chance to not only reflect the wishes of the Korean people for a better, safer, cleaner future domestically, but also position Korea again as a leader in environmental, technological and economic trends. Greenpeace and the Korean people will be watching to see that the new government energy policy is done well.
Daul Jang is senior climate & energy campaigner at Greenpeace Seoul. Write to lynn.kim@greenpeace.org.
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Due to the unusual nature of the election, new President Moon Jae-in took over immediately ― and had to start delivering on his election promises.
As people witnessed a risky and polluting energy system which mainly benefitted chaebol and elite groups, most leading presidential candidates spoke openly about cancelling new nuclear and coal-fired plants, and supporting renewable energy. Moon specifically has committed to halt the construction of new nuclear reactors, and to plan a gradual nuclear phase out within 40 years. Moon has also promised to suspend construction of new coal-fired projects, the early shutdown of old coal power plants, improve emission regulations and innovate the running of coal-fired power plants. Overall, Moon's plan is to achieve 20 percent electricity generation by 2030.
In Korea, this election clearly signals a change of direction. The environmental cost, security issues and local conflict surrounding government-sanctioned energy projects is no longer a price that voters are willing to pay, not even in traditionally conservative communities. For the first time, a coal and nuclear phase out are a mainstream issue which crosses party lines. Renewable energy is no longer "liberal" or "conservative," but simply a matter of public interest.
Internationally, due to its outdated energy policy, Korea has long become one of the international "climate slackers" among OECD countries. The coal and nuclear phase outs promised by Moon mean that Korea can take a stronger position in international efforts to save the climate.
As an independent global environmental organization, we welcome Moon's commitment to fix the mistakes of previous governments ― but we also want to be clear: Korea could and should do even better.
There are three tasks which should be undertaken by the new president and his cabinet immediately to modernize Korean energy and ensure the citizens' right to safety, security and happiness in life:
First, fulfill the promise not to build any new coal or nuclear capacity. This goes beyond cancelling the construction of controversial projects like ShinKori 5 and 6, or Dangjin "Eco Power" and Samcheok POS Power ― it means cancelling nine new coal-fired plants and 11 nuclear reactors. This is a critical first step to an energy transition for Korea, which is possible due to already installed LNG capacity. It is, however, necessary to make this step in parallel with renewable solutions for zero CO2 emissions, decent jobs and economic growth.
Second, initiate an energy policy reform with the people, and for the people. The current national energy policy is a legacy of the previous governments, focused on old, dirty and dangerous fossil fuel and nuclear power. It brings environmental conflict, pollution and security concerns to local communities, and it no longer fits in with regional or public interest. Currently, the governments of Jeju, South Chungcheon, Gyeonggi and Seoul City already have innovative local energy transition plans. These plans are already more ambitious than presidential candidates' promises, and they should be supported by the central government.
And third, create a policy environment that will drive investment into clean and sustainable renewable energy and attract and meet the needs of corporations, SMEs and individual investors. To boost the decreasing economy and compete in a global market, the Korean energy market should be designed in a way that promotes Korea's strong potential for renewable energy. Recently, Gangwon Province, the host to the 100% renewable PyeongChang Winter Olympics, has also become a region to house green data centers. Companies like Naver and Samsung SDS are moving to build new data centers in the region.
Are these easy promises to fulfill? Of course not. However, all of President Moon's ambitious domestic commitments would still put Korea far behind global developments. The new government now has a chance to not only reflect the wishes of the Korean people for a better, safer, cleaner future domestically, but also position Korea again as a leader in environmental, technological and economic trends. Greenpeace and the Korean people will be watching to see that the new government energy policy is done well.
Daul Jang is senior climate & energy campaigner at Greenpeace Seoul. Write to lynn.kim@greenpeace.org.
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