The nation’s power plant operator said Monday that it aims to grow into a world leader in the energy sector on the basis of strong public trust.

“Regaining public trust comes first for us to become a global energy leader,” said Lee Jong-ho, head of the engineering department at Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power.

Lee made the remarks at the session of “Nuclear Technology Adding Green on Earth,” during the World Conference of Science Journalists 2015 being held in Coex, southern Seoul, until Friday. 

Lee also emphasized the environmental effects of nuclear power, stating that nuclear power only produces 1 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions of fossil fuel.

Ian Hore-Lacy, a senior research analyst at the World Nuclear Association, stressed that nuclear energy was a relatively safe, clean and sustainable energy source with high energy efficiency.

The talk also involved a discussion panel where panelists exchanged ideas on nuclear energy trends in Asia and the world, as well as management safety.

The conference is held every other year, with science journalists across the globe gathering and exchanging ideas on science journalism. The event is hosted by the World Federation of Science Journalists in cooperation with local science journalist associations.

By Sang Youn-joo (sangyj@heraldcorp.com)