Rules to Be Finalized This Month
The European Commission said on Jan. 1 that nuclear power generation would be classified as an eco- and climate-friendly power generation method on condition that plans and funds are already prepared along with a radioactive waste disposal site that ensures safety.
According to its draft message sent to EU member states, every new nuclear power plant must be approved in 2045 at the latest to be classified into that category. In addition, when it comes to investment in natural gas-based power generation, the greenhouse gas emissions per 1 kWh power generation must be less than 270 g CO2 eq, a fossil fuel-based power plant must be replaced, and a construction approval must be obtained on Dec. 31, 2030 at the latest.
The European Union is planning to finalize its rules this month on whether natural gas-based power generation and nuclear power generation should be included in its green taxonomy.
The taxonomy is to distinguish climate-friendly power generation projects so that private capital investment can be increased and greenwashing can be blocked. The European Commission is planning to look into the taxonomy in making funding-related decisions as well.
The stance of the European Commission is likely to have a substantial effect on the South Korean government’s taxonomy discussions. At present, the government’s stance is that nuclear power generation is not eco-friendly and LNG power generation should be partially included in its green taxonomy.