Study for regional cooperation on radioactive waste management in northeast asia

Anti-nuclear sentiment has been dramatically changed in the 2000s, because of energy prices hike and climate change conventions. Some experts assert that this positive and affirmative reaction toward nuclear generation could lead to 'nuclear renaissance' in the near future. Korea, Japan, China located in Northeast Asia has not been affected by nuclear evasion policy (keeping away from nuclear policy) from European countries, their energy policies are still kept focused on nuclear energy. Each country faces lack of storage facility for radioactive waste. This paper explores possibility of building an international radioactive waste disposal and storage facility in the Northeast Asian region. It is considered that Northeast Asian region as one of candidates for international radioactive waste disposal and storage facility and investigated each country's situation and proposed recommendation to make the facility in this region possible. Through this energy cooperation idea, each country in Northeast Asian region can solves radioactive waste disposal and storage problem and strengthens energy security by utilization of more nuclear generation. Northeast Asian countries need to discuss the possibility of the construction of international facilities by increasing mutual understanding among nations. And, in order to prepare for changes of economic and social situation and to promote interests among the international communities, South Korea needs to undertake further researches and develop a cooperative strategy for radioactive waste management in this region.