April 25, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] The Korean government on Oct. 24 decided to resume the construction of two nuclear power plants -- Shin Kori 5 and 6 -- following a citizen jury’s decision last week.

The citizen committee comprised of 471 members delivered its final decision on Oct. 20, saying that it was in favor of resuming the construction of the two reactors that was suspended since July as part of the Moon Jae-in government’s policy to phase out nuclear policy.

Related:
Citizen jury supports resumption of Shin Kori 5, 6


The government, however, vowed to continue its ultimate shift from nuclear power to renewable energy. Korea plans to cut down the total number of nuclear plants from the current 24 to 14 by 2038. Under the plan, the construction of six nuclear reactos, including Shin Hanul 3 and 4, has been cancelled, while 14 outdated plants will be closed.

As part of the efforts, the government also decided to strengthen safety requirements for nuclear power plants and to increase investment in renewable energy. Use of renewable energy is expected to make up 20 percent of the nation’s total energy consumption by 2030 compared to the current 7 percent.

By Park Ga-young (gypark@heraldcorp.com)