Seminar: "Where is Korea's carbon neutral energy policy going?", by Prof. Sun-Jin Yun

Prof. Sun-Jin Yun, Seoul National University, will be at ICTA-UAB to give a seminar on "Where is Korea's carbon neutral energy policy going?: Focusing on social conflicts over nuclear power and renewable energy".

Title: "Where is Korea's carbon neutral energy policy going?: Focusing on social conflicts over nuclear power and renewable energy"

Speaker: Prof. Sun-Jin Yun, Seoul National University
 

Date: Wednesday, November 9th 2022
Time: From 15 to 17h
Venue: Sala Antoni Rosell (Z/022 - Z/023) ICTA-UAB
 

In 2017, for the first time in its history, the Korean government presented coal phase-out, nuclear phase-out, and energy transition as national goals. There was a public debate on whether to continue building nuclear power plants, Shin-Kori Units 5 and 6. It was the first public engagement in nuclear energy policy, more generally in energy policy decision-making process. Even though construction of Shin-Kori 5 and 6 were resumed but it was decided not to build a new nuclear power plant any more. And in December 2017, the Moon government announced Renewable Energy 3020 Implementation Plan which pursues 30% of electricity generation from renewable energy by 2030. In addition the Moon government announced 2050 Carbon Neutrality in Oct. 22 of 2020 and established 2050 carbon neutrality scenarios, together with announcement of enhanced 2030 NDC, from 26.3% to 40% reduction from 2018 level by 2030. 2050 carbon neutrality was planned to be achieved by renewable energy , with nuclear phase-out. However, the new Yoon government erased ex-government and announced expansion of nuclear power with less share of renewables. Social consensus made after the Fukushima nuclear accident has been reshaped. Korea ranks top 11th in terms of GHG emissions and 9th in terms of CO2 emissions. Korea's successful accomplishment of 2030 NDC and 2050 carbon neutrality will give significant impacts on global society, especially on developing countries which want to follow Korea's path of economic and social change. This lecture deliver the path of Republic of to reach establishment of 2050  carbon neutrality and submission of  2030 NDC to the UNFCCC and addreses the on-going social conflicts over nuclear power and renewables.

Short Bio
Dr. Sun-Jin Yun is a Professor of Environmental Studies at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies at Seoul National University. Prof. Yun graduated from Seoul National University, major in Sociology. She earned her MA and Ph.D. at University of Delaware, major in Environmental and Energy Policy, and has dedicated most of her career to promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental issues through vigorous research, lecturing, and social activities. In May 2021, Prof. YUN Sun-Jin was appointed as the Co-Chairperson of 2050 Carbon Neutrality Commission of Republic of Korea and deeply participated in the development of the 2050 carbon neutrality scenarios and establishment of the enhanced 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). 2050 Carbon Neutrality Commission of Republic of Korea was established in May 2021, as Republic of Korea announced 2050 Carbon Neutrality goal on Octoer 2020, to propose Korea’s ‘2050 Carbon Neutrality Scenario’ and 2030 NDC and to collect opinions from diverse parties of interest (e.g. – industries, civil societies, labor, etc.) by providing forum for discussions periodically. The Commission’s name was changed to 2050 Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Commission as the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth took effect on March 25, 2022. Before assuming the role of Co-Chairperson of 2050 Carbon Neutrality Commission, Prof. Yun previously served in various positions at Government’s Committees, including Ex-Chairperson of Sustainable Development Committee, Ex-Chairperson of Korea Energy Information Culture Agency, Ex-Chairperson of Implementation Council for One Less Nuclear Power Plant Initiative and Energy Policy Committee of Seoul, etc