This year’s nuclear energy marketing budget is thought to be even lower, down 9 million won. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 25 (Korea Bizwire) — The South Korean government has spent over 82 billion won to promote the use of nuclear energy over the last decade, nearly 300 times more than the money spent for the promotion of renewable energy, government data has revealed.
According to data disclosed by lawmaker Kwon Chil-Seung, who is also a member of the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee, the government was found to have spent approximately 82.4 billion won from 2007 to 2016, while the spending decreased gradually by the year, down to 5 billion won in 2016, less than half the spending in 2007.
Over the same period, a mere 267 million won was spent promoting renewable energy.
The data also revealed that no budget was drawn up for the promotion of renewable energy until 2014, when the government began spending 89 million each year.
This year’s nuclear energy marketing budget is thought to be even lower, down 9 million won.
The South Korean government has spent over 82 billion won to promote the use of nuclear energy over the last decade, nearly 300 times more than the money spent for the promotion of renewable energy, government data has revealed. (Image: Yonhap)
Looking at the data for the last four years makes clear the disproportionate marketing spending for nuclear energy, estimated at over 21 billion won, which is over 60 times more than that of renewable energy. Spending on energy marketing is funded by revenues generated by a surcharge on consumer electricity bills.
“As consumers don’t directly buy nuclear energy, there is no need to promote it. The disproportionate budget arrangements have been making it difficult to have a rational discussion about energy policy,” Kwon argued.
Hyunsu Yim (hyunsu@koreabizwire.com)
