Presidential candidates clash over the expansion of nuclear power plants

On the 23rd, as the June 3 presidential election approaches in 11 days, a second 'social sector' TV debate for the 21st presidential candidates organized by the National Election Commission was held.

During this debate, the candidates were fiercely divided over the issue of expanding nuclear power plants into the conservative and progressive camps.

Lee Jun-seok, the candidate from the Reform Party, criticized Lee Jae-myung's energy policy, stating, "Candidate Lee Jae-myung talks about phasing out coal and reducing nuclear power, but due to artificial intelligence (AI) and robots, energy demand will increase. What will replace the base load power with the basis of phasing out coal and reducing nuclear power?"

In a rebuttal, Lee Jae-myung said, "The current proportion of nuclear power is 32%," adding, "We can use nuclear power until 2060 because new plants are being built." He mentioned that "for existing nuclear plants, it is necessary to consider continued operation if safety can be assured, even if they have reached their operational lifetime," yet he maintained that he believes nuclear energy is still dangerous. "An energy mix is necessary," he added.

Lee Jae-myung cited pumped storage plants as an example of utilizing energy storage systems.

In response, Lee Jun-seok countered, "Pumped storage plants are another form of environmental destruction. We must cut mountains to build dams," to which Lee Jae-myung retorted, "We can use what already exists."

Regarding the claim of "insufficient capacity," Lee Jae-myung asserted, "Don't make blanket statements. When did I say I would increase pumped storage plants?" and pointed out, "Technological advancement is incredibly rapid. Candidate Lee Jun-seok views everything pessimistically."

"Technological advancement is incredibly rapid. Candidate Lee Jun-seok views everything pessimistically."

Kwon Young-guk accused Lee Jun-seok, "Did you come to brag about your knowledge?"

During the debate, Lee Jun-seok had mentioned RE100 (100% renewable energy usage), CF100 (100% zero carbon emissions), V2G (bidirectional energy flow between electric vehicles and the power grid), ESS (energy storage systems), and nuclear fusion energy.

Kwon Young-guk, watching the debate from the Democratic Labor Party, criticized Lee Jun-seok, saying, "Listening to candidate Lee Jun-seok makes it seem like he came to show off his knowledge."

He scolded, "You said you view nuclear power and renewable energy through an ideological lens, but who sees it that way?"

Kwon Young-guk pointed out, "Nowhere in Lee Jun-seok's pledge book is there a climate pledge," adding that "when citizen groups inquired about renewable energy on May 21, he seemed to avoid answering."

He further remarked, "Though he claims to represent the youth, he hasn't presented a single climate pledge that future generations are concerned about," sarcastically suggesting, "How about calling him 'Lee Jun-seok with no climate pledge'?"

Image source: Lee Jun-seok, presidential candidate of the Reform Party / News1, reference photo for understanding the article / Getty Images Bank, Kwon Young-guk, presidential candidate of the Democratic Labor Party / News1