Date of Award
5-2016
Degree Type
Research Paper
Degree Name
Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy (ES&P)
Department
International Development, Community and Environment
Chief Instructor
Gregory Trencher
Keywords
nuclear power, policy comparison, electricity cost, denuclearization, korea
Abstract
Five years after the Fukushima accident, people and countries still argue about the opportunity costs of denuclearization. While nuclear power generation has safety and waste issues, it is carbon free. Climate change has created more pressure for greenhouse gas reduction, so a few countries have decided to maintain or even increase nuclear power generation. The United States ranks first for using nuclear power produced by electricity generation, while the Republic of Korea, the closest country in proximity to Japan, ranks fourth in countries that use nuclear power. In fact, Korea even rapidly increased nuclear business after the Fukushima accident. Despite great health risks and waste problems, why use nuclear? Through analysis and comparison of key energy policies that support nuclear and nuclear costs in these two countries, this research paper seeks to determine the reasons behind the usage of nuclear power.
first for using nuclear power produced by electricity generation, while the Republic of Korea, the closest country in proximity to Japan, ranks fourth in countries that use nuclear power. In fact, Korea even rapidly increased nuclear business after the Fukushima accident. Despite great health risks and waste problems, why use nuclear? Through analysis and comparison of key energy policies that support nuclear and nuclear costs in these two countries, this research paper seeks to determine the reasons behind the usage of nuclear power.
Recommended Citation
Ha, Vara, "Nuclear Power Plant Policy Comparison between the U.S. and Republic of Korea" (2016). Sustainability and Social Justice. 17.
https://commons.clarku.edu/idce_masters_papers/17
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