Sohee Kim Proposes Amendment to Nuclear Energy Promotion Act: "Includes Technology Development and Industry Nurturing"

Sohee Kim, Member of the National Assembly of the People Power Party. Office of Sohee Kim

Sohee Kim, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, announced on April 7th that she has sponsored an amendment to the Nuclear Energy Promotion Act. The amendment aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the nuclear power industry ecosystem and to establish a stable human resources base.

Assemblywoman Kim explained the purpose of the amendment, stating, "Amid shifting global energy conditions such as the recent Middle East conflicts and the spread of carbon neutrality policies, nuclear power is being reevaluated as a key energy source capable of providing both stable electricity supply and greenhouse gas reduction. As technological competition and the battle for industrial leadership among major countries intensify, especially around next-generation nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), it is urgently necessary for the nation to develop systematic strategies for technology development and industrial growth at the national level."

Under the current Nuclear Energy Promotion Act, the Minister of Science and ICT is required to establish a comprehensive nuclear energy promotion plan every five years for the use of nuclear energy. However, the existing plan is limited to setting general directions for nuclear energy use, without specific and systematic provisions for nuclear technology development, industry nurturing, or professional workforce training. In addition, there is criticism that the plan lacks clear financial support measures to back related policies, resulting in limitations to continuous investment and expansion of the human resources base.

The bill sponsored by Sohee Kim explicitly requires the comprehensive nuclear energy promotion plan to include provisions on nuclear technology development, industry nurturing, and the training and enhanced utilization of nuclear technology professionals. It also establishes a legal basis for the government to provide the necessary budgetary support in these fields.

Assemblywoman Kim stated, "In order to strengthen the competitiveness of the nuclear power industry ecosystem and to establish a stable human resources base, the government must demonstrate a more proactive commitment and pursue supportive policies accordingly."

She added, "Renewable energy alone cannot meet the demand for high-quality electricity in the AI era. We must protect Korea's energy security through an energy mix where nuclear power is the main source and renewables serve as a supplement, prioritizing science over ideology."

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