Seoul: Environment Minister Kim Sung-hwan has indicated a potential reevaluation of plans to construct new nuclear power plants, highlighting the necessity for public opinion to inform such decisions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the country's finalized 11th basic plan on electricity supply and demand, established in February, includes the construction of two nuclear reactors and one small modular reactor. During a press conference on Tuesday, Kim emphasized that while the current plan should be respected, any decision on new nuclear reactors should consider public sentiment. "The opinion (on new reactors) will ultimately be contained in the 12th basic plan," he noted.

Kim reiterated that nuclear power should remain a foundational element of the nation's energy strategy, particularly as it seeks to expand renewable energy usage and decrease dependence on fossil fuels. The ministry has recently presented four proposals for the nation's greenhouse gas emission targets for 2035. These options involve reductions from the 2018 levels by mid-to-high 40 percent, 53 percent, 61 percent, or 67 percent, and Kim stated that the final goal will be determined through further discussions.

Regarding infrastructure projects, Kim mentioned plans to halt efforts on half of the proposed ten dam constructions, citing a lack of necessity for some. Additionally, he addressed concerns about the government's reorganization plan that would transfer energy policy responsibilities from the industry ministry to his own, assuring that there would be cooperation between the two ministries.