The recent power crisis has underlined the
growing need for Korea to diversify its energy
sources.
Experts say reducing the country's reliance
on nuclear power is just the first step towards
a truly stable and independent energy economy.
Our Paul Yi shows us the alternative energy
options in Korea.
Korea's rapidly developing infrastructure
has led to a heavy reliance on nuclear power
at more than 35 percent of the nation's total
energy production.
For more than 30 years, nuclear power has
provided commercially cost-effective electricity
in Korea without the production of harmful
greenhouse gases.
However, a series of forced shutdowns this
past year has emphasized the importance of
pursuing alternative energy sources.
Of the latest energy technologies being researched,
nuclear fusion power has attracted attention
for its major advantages over traditional
nuclear reactors.
Nuclear fusion reactors are safer, more energy-efficient,
and use abundant sources of fuel.
Harnessing the same process that powers the
sun, a single gram of fuel can produce energy
equal to eight tons of oil.
But the technology is still experimental.
Scientists predict the first working fusion
reactor will be available by 2040.
"Practical advancements must be developed
to address the limitations of renewable energy,
which include finding ways to increase efficiency
and reach feasible mass production methods."
Research in hydrogen technology continues
to push ahead as a potential energy source
for future homes and vehicles.
Hydrogen fuel cells typically only form heat
and water as waste by-products, making it
one of the most environmentally-friendly energy
fields.
Solar power has also enjoyed some breakthroughs
recently.
Unfortunately, both promising technologies
continue to suffer from low efficiency and
high costs.
"Above all else, developing energy technologies
that do not rely [on non-renewable sources]
is important for Korea and other similar resource-limited
regions."
The Korean government plans to build an additional
16 nuclear reactors by 2030, which will make
up more than half of the nation's energy capacity.
Merely increasing production is a stop-gap
solution.
Diversifying energy sources and raising awareness
of power conservation will be needed in order
to reach a sustainable balance between supply
and demand.
Paul Yi, Arirang News.
