Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Cheongwan stated that the government's upcoming 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand is expected to include provisions for nuclear power to address the electricity needs of the semiconductor cluster in the southwestern region.
Kang made the remarks while speaking to reporters after the National Report on the Three Mega Projects for South Korea's Great Leap Forward, when asked whether the government is considering including plans for extending the lifespan of existing nuclear plants or building new ones in the upcoming electricity plan.
"As you know, it usually takes nine to ten years to build a nuclear power plant, and we will also review ways to shorten this period," Kang explained.
He added, "The plan will also include details on various energy sources, including LNG, hydrogen, and all types of renewable energy."
Regarding concerns raised by some over potential water shortages, he dismissed the claims, stating, "The government is not incompetent enough to make an announcement without verifying the water supply situation."
"There is a surplus of 230,000 tons of water in various dams, and 190,000 tons of water that were overallocated and remain unused," Kang explained. "Our projection is that we can supply over 1 million tons by pooling these water sources together."
(Photo: Blue House Photo Press Corps, Yonhap News)