Changes of Nuclear Energy Policy During Moon Jae-In’s Administration and its Impact on the Energy Industry Ecosystem of South Korea

Abstract

The study examines the rapid changes in nuclear energy policy under South Korea's Moon Jae-in administration and its impact on the Energy Industry Ecosystem by analyzing news from Korean official news sites, as well as comparing the efficiency of nuclear and renewable energy on economic growth and carbon emissions. The implementation of a new policy that prioritized renewable energy instead of nuclear energy, which accounts for 40% of Korea's electricity production, divided Korean society into pro- and anti-nuclear power plants.

This study focuses on the consequences of the implementation of Moon Jae-in's nuclear energy policy in the period from 2017 till 2022 and suggests possible solutions to minimize negative consequences of this policy. 

In conclusion, the Moon administration's policy of halting and closing nuclear power plant construction resulted in the ecosystem of the nuclear energy industry being damaged due to the drain of specialized brains. Additionally, the promotion of renewable energy such as solar panels not only did not suit Korea's environment and climate but caused environmental pollution.

Considering the negative impact of expanding the use of renewable energy, the study suggests the previous investments in the nuclear energy industry should be rolled back and the proportion of green energy and nuclear energy should be reasonably adjusted to suit Korea's special environment.