Critics of Moon's energy policy 'anachronistic'

By Kim Hyo-jin

Rep. Woo Won-shik

Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) floor leader Woo Won-shik defended President Moon Jae-in’s vision for a nuclear energy-free nation Wednesday, calling the opposition’s protest “anachronistic.”

“They are bucking the trend of replacing energy resources,” Woo said during a party meeting. “Building nuclear power plants is a declining industry, which can be seen from the bankruptcy of U.S.-based Westinghouse.”

Claiming the opposition’s protest was merely a political offensive, he said: “They only shed light on the issue of sunken costs, dismissing safety concerns for nuclear power plants.”

He vowed to support Moon’s policy direction of gradually reducing nuclear power plants and increasing the use of renewable energy.

His remarks came as the opposition parties voiced strong objection to the government’s decision to phase out nuclear-generated electricity.

Rep. Lee Yong-ho, chief policymaker of the People’s Party, claimed Moon is pushing ahead with the controversial plan unilaterally.

“I’m deeply concerned about the government speeding up the nuclear energy-free policy,” he said during a party meeting.

“It’s not an issue the President can self-righteously decide. It took 30 years for Germany, and Switzerland held five referendums. The government should collect public opinion and come up with a decision following a legal process.”

Rep. Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the Bareun Party, called for further study.

“Moon should set up another public debate commission before he pursues a plan to scrap nuclear-generated power,” Joo said. “No country will appreciate nuclear power plant technology from a country that is seeking to turn off its nuclear power.”

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced the energy transition roadmap at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

According to the plan, construction of Shin-Kori nuclear reactors 5 and 6 will resume. But plans for six other nuclear reactors will be dropped and the ratio of renewable energy in power generation increased to 20 percent by 2030.

Moon reaffirmed Sunday he will build a nuclear energy-free nation while accepting the recent recommendation of a public commission to resume construction of the two nuclear reactors he earlier pledged to scrap.

He vowed to stop building new reactors and suspend the operation of the Wolseong-1 reactor after its allotted lifespan was extended, as long as stability in the power supply is confirmed.