Strategies for the symbiotic development of renewable power and nuclear power under the ‘Renewable Energy 3020’ policy in South Korea: Part II. Technical solutions for expanding renewable power generation

Abstract

In recent years, the Korean government has recently implemented the ‘Renewable Energy 3020’ policy to substantially expand renewable energy without the inclusion of nuclear and coal-fired power plants. This study analyzes the changing conditions of the national power system on the assumption that ‘Renewable Energy 3020’ policy achieves the goal of the expansion of renewable energy generation to 20% by 2030. Korean government needs to consider the effects of technological innovation, changes in market, and the possibility of social consensus deduction. The Wien Automatic System Planning (WASP) model was used to verify the implementation of the long-term power development plan within specified constraints. The extension methodology of renewable power equipment was verified using the WASP model, which provides the basis for the application of scientific logic and suggestion to drive the national energy transition policy efficiently. Currently, technological and economic uncertainties related to nuclear and renewable power generation need to be investigated. Thereafter, energy transition needs to be examined to promote an alternative energy policy considering the technological innovation and the social consensus. The national energy transition policy will likely succeed, if based on the accurate technical planning and evaluation of the symbiotic strategies for nuclear and renewable power generation.