Open Access Repository
A nuclear- to-gas transition in South Korea: is it environmentally friendly or economically viable?


Full text not available from this repository.
Abstract
Given the limited potential for renewable energy and high population density of South Korea, nuclearhas been an essential electricity generation option for supply of reliable power whilst reducing greenhouse-gasemissions and mitigating air pollution. However, the recently elected (2017) South Korean government has apolicy committing them to a phase-out of nuclear and coal, offset by an increase in the share of variable renewables.However, the main component of the power transition is set to be liquefied natural gas (LNG), due totechnical and economic barriers facing large-scale renewables. It is therefore critical for South Korea to developan evidence-based perspective on the details of the transition, before any future energy policy is decided. Herewe review: i) the national role of renewable sources given technical and economic limitations in South Korea; ii)potential environmental and economic issues with gas; and iii) potential barriers of and benefits to a nuclearpathway. Our conclusion is that, given the geographical and economic limitations facing South Korea, and theneed to reduce carbon emissions cost effectively, a nuclear pathway coupled with a moderate renewable shareoffers the most viable policy, with a gas-focused energy future being neither environmentally friendly noreconomic.
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Authors/Creators: | Hong, S and Brook, BW |
Keywords: | energy transition, gas, renewable energy, nuclear power, energy policy in South Korea |
Journal or Publication Title: | Energy Policy |
Publisher: | Elsevier Sci Ltd |
ISSN: | 0301-4215 |
DOI / ID Number: | 10.1016/j.enpol.2017.10.012 |
Copyright Information: | © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Related URLs: | |
Item Statistics: | View statistics for this item |
Actions (login required)
![]() |
Item Control Page |