Korean society has a propensity to get caught up in severe confrontation over such energy issues as nuclear and failing to find solutions for a long period of time. In particular, as it comes to the construction of nuclear power units, the long-standing unsettlement of social conflicts surrounding the designation of sites for major facilities cause significant social costs and have negative impacts on the national economy and public integrity.
Now is the time when the nation needs to find solutions to embrace public acceptance rather than engage in time-consuming arguments between the nuclear power community and antinuclear activists based on a dichotomous mindset. Public awareness and acceptance is needed for the implementation of long-term, comprehensive energy policies, including the ones on nuclear power.
To the end, the Korea Nuclear Energy Agency (KNEA) is seeking to hold a “Policy Vs. Policy Forum” on five themes democratic procedural dimension; climate change and response to energy demand; safety; the economics of nuclear power; and the substitution of nuclear power in cooperation of the Institute for Social Development and Policy Research of Seoul National University (ISDPR). The forum is designed to serve as an opportunity to promote communication among experts with opposing views.
The fourth rendition of the forum on democratic procedural dimension took place on Nov. 3. The seminar found an exemplary practice in which the nuclear power community has abided to legal procedures and the participation of civic bodies in decision-making processes. Second, some experts stressed the need for continuity of nuclear power to ensure a stable supply to meet continuous demand.
The fifth rendition of the debate on the need of nuclear power amidst an energy shift will take place at Seoul National University Asia Center (SNUAC) on Dec. 22.
KNEA expects the forum will discuss diverse views on nuclear power and provide objective and impartial information.
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A view of the fourth rendition of “Policy Vs. Policy Forum” on democracy procedural dimension the Korea Nuclear Energy Agency held in cooperation with the Institute for Social Development and Policy Research of Seoul National University (ISDPR) on Nov. 3.
Haiyan, an Exemplary Model City of Nuclear Power for Co-Prosperity
KNEA Chairman contributed a recent column to a vernacular daily titled “Contemplating a Model City of Nuclear Power”
The article touched on China’s recent mega-initiatives, starting with former Chinese President Hu Jintao’s diplomatic peace initiative since he took office in 2003. China has pushed ahead with mega initiatives in diverse areas, including the economy, IT and aerospace to rise to a global super power in a number of areas.
The initiatives involve aggressive capital investments by China, manpower development and the building of infrastructure, KNEA Chairman said. It even involves sports. China does not spare making investments in young soccer players to become a soccer power, and the nation has strategies to differentiate itself from others to scout prominent athletes from major foreign soccer clubs.
In particular, it said that China is nurturing cities to serve as the center of various industries to reinvigorate regional economies. Changsha, Hunan Province, is emerging as an electric vehicle hub thanks to the central government’s active support and corporate management innovation, while Sichuan Province is building Chengdu as an axis; Mianyang as a center of aerospace; and Suining as a hub for next-generation ICT and biologics and a metropolis connecting eight nearby cities.
Haiyan Xian is a center of nuclear power, which builds high-efficiency energy supply system to maintain continued economic growth and realize low-carbon society.
Haiyan is an exemplary city for nuclear power that pursues co-prosperity practices between Chinese companies and residents. Initially, a majority of community residents were opposed to the construction of nuclear power units, but they gradually came to accept nuclear power through communication and cooperation initiatives involving business explanation sessions targeting opinion leaders and the establishment of a nuclear power technology hall for youth.
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