Seowang-jin, a member of the Justice Innovation Party, criticized the government's approach to the 'Nuclear Power Public Discourse Committee' on November 9, stating, "If the public discourse is conducted based solely on predetermined questions and limited information set by the government, it is not a democratic decision-making process but merely a formality to justify government decisions under the guise of citizen participation."
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Seowang-jin noted, "Key information related to nuclear power has not been sufficiently disclosed to the public due to security reasons. Without adequate information, proper deliberation cannot take place." He emphasized the need for new questions that reflect the changing realities, such as the expansion of renewable energy, delays in nuclear power construction, and climate disasters, expressing concern about whether sufficient discussion can occur within the tight timeline set for the public discourse by the end of the year.
The electricity supply basic plan is the government's long-term strategy that forecasts electricity demand over the next 15 years and outlines the direction for expanding power generation facilities. The government formed the Nuclear Power Public Discourse Committee on October 2 as part of the preparation for the 12th electricity supply basic plan, anticipating a significant increase in electricity demand due to the impact of three mega-projects, thereby increasing the role of nuclear power.
In response, some experts and civic groups in the fields of energy, climate, and environment have recently united to launch the 'Different Questions Forum,' arguing that the realities surrounding the energy industry have changed and that new questions must be raised during the public discourse.
Park Jin-hee, a professor at Dongguk University who attended the press conference, stated, "When the criteria change, the questions must change as well. We will present different questions that allow for new judgments based on the altered circumstances," adding, "I hope the nuclear power public discourse moves beyond past frameworks and is conducted based on objective and fair standards."
The Different Questions Forum believes that the energy industry is undergoing rapid changes due to semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, the government has significantly increased its electricity demand estimate for AI data centers (AIDC) from 4GW to 11.9GW by 2040, warning that excessive estimates could lead to substantial stranded assets.
In this context, Jeon Young-hwan, a professor at Hongik University, asserted, "If the planning for power generation facilities is excessive, it will all become stranded assets," stressing that the 12th electricity supply basic plan must be established rationally.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Seowang-jin noted, "Key information related to nuclear power has not been sufficiently disclosed to the public due to security reasons. Without adequate information, proper deliberation cannot take place." He emphasized the need for new questions that reflect the changing realities, such as the expansion of renewable energy, delays in nuclear power construction, and climate disasters, expressing concern about whether sufficient discussion can occur within the tight timeline set for the public discourse by the end of the year.
The electricity supply basic plan is the government's long-term strategy that forecasts electricity demand over the next 15 years and outlines the direction for expanding power generation facilities. The government formed the Nuclear Power Public Discourse Committee on October 2 as part of the preparation for the 12th electricity supply basic plan, anticipating a significant increase in electricity demand due to the impact of three mega-projects, thereby increasing the role of nuclear power.
In response, some experts and civic groups in the fields of energy, climate, and environment have recently united to launch the 'Different Questions Forum,' arguing that the realities surrounding the energy industry have changed and that new questions must be raised during the public discourse.
Park Jin-hee, a professor at Dongguk University who attended the press conference, stated, "When the criteria change, the questions must change as well. We will present different questions that allow for new judgments based on the altered circumstances," adding, "I hope the nuclear power public discourse moves beyond past frameworks and is conducted based on objective and fair standards."
The Different Questions Forum believes that the energy industry is undergoing rapid changes due to semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, the government has significantly increased its electricity demand estimate for AI data centers (AIDC) from 4GW to 11.9GW by 2040, warning that excessive estimates could lead to substantial stranded assets.
In this context, Jeon Young-hwan, a professor at Hongik University, asserted, "If the planning for power generation facilities is excessive, it will all become stranded assets," stressing that the 12th electricity supply basic plan must be established rationally.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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