Amid growing international attention to clean energy and carbon neutrality, GETPPP, in collaboration with the Association of Korean Economic Studies (AKES), hosted an international conference titled “Nuclear Power and the Korean Economy” on May 9 at the Seoul Global Center.

The conference brought together leading energy policymakers and scholars from countries such as Mongolia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and Nepal, offering a rare forum for in-depth discussions on the role of nuclear power in national energy planning. In his opening remarks, Dr. Sang-don Lee, President of AKES, emphasized the importance of evidence-based policy dialogue in shaping Korea’s energy future. Professor Sung Jin Kang, Director of GETPPP, noted that nuclear energy could play a critical role in supporting both economic growth and decarbonization goals.

In Session 1, experts from Korea’s Energy Economics Institute (KEEI) presented Korea’s current electricity policy and the 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, with a focus on expanding carbon-free power sources, including nuclear energy. Mongolia’s Ministry of Energy also introduced its long-term vision for developing nuclear power as part of its future energy mix.

Session 2 explored the synergies between nuclear power and renewable energy transitions. Researchers from Korea University presented their study on the macroeconomic impacts of nuclear industry expansion, while international delegates shared national strategies for balancing low-carbon development and energy security. Notably, representatives from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Ethiopia presented country-specific challenges and opportunities in integrating nuclear and renewable pathways.

The event underscored the need for international cooperation and knowledge exchange, particularly as emerging economies face increasing pressure to secure affordable, clean, and reliable energy.