원자력의 사회적 수용성 증진방안

Abstract

Korea relies heavily on fossil fuels. Among fossil fuels, global reserve of petroleum is just enough to accommodate for the next 40 years if petroleum is spent at the rate of current annual production. Accordingly, price of crude oil has recently shown an extremely rapid increase. Since demand for energy is expected to quickly increase, security of a stable energy source for the future is urgent. Nuclear power is the only commercialized alternative energy source settling as a desirable substitute of fossil energy in terms of economic feasibility, environment, domestic production, and stability of supply. Despite such advantages of nuclear power, various accidents related to nuclear power since the past have continued to frighten citizens. Opposing voices based on such fear are acting as significant obstacles in promotion of the nuclear power industry. Acceptability of nuclear power was becoming favorable due to scarcity of energy and environmental problems, because no large accident occurred for 25 years after some serious accidents (Three Mile Island and Chernobyl). However, the recent nuclear reactor accident in Fukushima, Japan provided anti-nuclear organizations a chance to promote an anti-nuclear movement. This resulted in an increased anxiety among citizens about nuclear power. Therefore in this paper, the difference in safety between nuclear power plants of Korea and the accident plant of Japan was comparatively analyzed. Current status on acceptance of nuclear power plants by citizens was also analyzed. After examining factors that infringe acceptance of nuclear power plants by citizens, solutions to such factors were proposed. However, the project on nationwide understanding of nuclear power must be continuously carried out with patience and through different approaches since the outcome of such project does not appear in short time. For efficient fulfillment of PA (public acceptance), current status of domestic promotion on nuclear power was investigated to suggest possible supplements. Sustainable development of the nuclear power industry must be promoted in the future based on such examination of obstacles and solutions.