The 24 reactors, effective at generating 23, two hundred and fifty megawatts, are focused in four locations – 5 in order to 7 reactors for each one location : with about 5 million people living within 30km from the plants, according to 2019 data compiled by resistance lawmaker Wi Seong-gon.
Nuclear experts say South Korea’s clustered reactors don’t pose security concerns, but some residents are unconvinced.
“The cows are a bit bad. There have been miscarriages, who knows why, ” said Kim Jin-sun, a 75-year-old livestock owner residing near Wolsong.
“Even if I try to sell my house or rice field and proceed somewhere else, no one may buy. ”
SCARCE NATURAL RESOURCES
While many South Koreans support expanding nuclear power, a significant minority are urging a reduction.
A Jun twenty-eight to Jun 30 survey of 1, 000 South Koreans simply by Gallup Korea demonstrated 39 per cent supported expansion of nuclear energy, 30 % wanted current ranges to be maintained, whilst 18 per cent required scaling it back.
South Korea rates fifth in the world regarding nuclear generation, according to the World Economic Community forum data for 2020, behind the US, Tiongkok, France and Russia.
Since it has scarce natural assets, experts say nuclear energy is crucial to maintain the country’s lighting on and strength its global-leading manufacturing industry, which exports chips, cars, screen panels and electric vehicle batteries.