On the 15th, Minister Kim Seong-hwan noted that the construction of new nuclear power plants is inevitable. This marks a shift from his previous stance advocating for a phase-out of nuclear energy.
During the personnel hearing held at the National Assembly that day, Kim said, "I understand that the nuclear power plants according to the 11th power supply and demand plan are already undergoing administrative actions (promoting new construction)." He added, "It is inevitable under the premise that public consensus is needed."
Regarding the reasons for previously advocating for a phase-out of nuclear energy, he explained, "At that time, the damage from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in Japan was significant, so I believed it was appropriate to stop constructing nuclear power plants that had reached their design lifespan." He added, "Now, the climate crisis is too severe, and it is more urgent to phase out coal-fired power plants quickly."
Regarding the environmental policies of the Yoon Suk-yeol government, Kim remarked, "It is regrettable that the ratio of renewable energy has been reduced, which reverses the transition to a decarbonized society." He also pointed out the suspension of the re-naturalization of the four major rivers and the postponement of the anti-plastic policy as wrong policies.
The climate and energy ministry, a pledge of President Lee Jae-myung, was also discussed at the personnel hearing that day. In political circles, proposals are being considered to separate the energy sector from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and combine it with the Ministry of Environment to establish the climate and energy ministry.
In this regard, Kim stated, "Creating the climate and energy ministry is one of the top priorities," adding, "The Ministry of Environment should not be a regulatory agency but a guiding and supportive agency towards a decarbonized society."
He continued, "There is a proposal to combine the energy part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy with the Ministry of Environment, tentatively named the ‘Climate and Environmental Energy Ministry,’" stating that there are two options: to completely separate the climate policy part of the Ministry of Environment and the energy part of the Ministry of Industry to establish a new ministry. Kim noted, "There are pros and cons, but I hope you understand that I cannot provide details on this matter at this time."
Earlier, in a written response submitted to the National Assembly before the personnel hearing, Kim stated that among the 38 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 35 countries (92%) have integrated climate and environmental functions, and among them, 15 countries have integrated climate, environment, and energy functions (39%).
Regarding concerns that North Korea's nuclear contaminated water has flowed into the West Sea, Kim said, "We should respond based on the same standards as the Fukushima contaminated water issue." He added, "Considering the gravity of the situation, cooperation with the international community and a science-based verification process are both necessary," and mentioned that the Ministry of Environment will quickly review necessary measures together with relevant departments as soon as the investigation results are available.
Kim emphasized, "At the time of the discharge of the Fukushima contaminated water, the government established clear standards and set up a proactive monitoring system to respond effectively," adding, "The nuclear contaminated water issue goes beyond political and diplomatic disputes and is directly related to the lives of the people, thus it should be treated with greater rigor."