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Energy
KATS hosts conference on wind power industry standards strategies with experts
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) hosted the wind power experts’ conference, led by KATS President Jin Jong-wook, on February 21 at the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) in Seoul for discussions with approximately 20 industry, academia and R&D experts on strategies for industry standards and future directions for renewables and certification upgrading projects. date2024-02-22
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Energy
Wind power experts discuss standards strategies for global competitiveness
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) hosted the wind power experts’ conference on February 21 at the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) for discussions with industry, academia and R&D experts on strategies for industry standards to enhance Korea’s wind power global competitiveness. Over the past year, KATS has been preparing strategies for standards on core parts, super-sized wind turbines, and project certification through the “Wind Power Standards Forum” composed of experts from related industries, academia, and R&D institutes with aim to achieve carbon neutrality and invigorate the wind power industry. The conference was held to gather opinions on industry challenges and to facilitate discussions with approximately 20 wind power experts attending the conference. They proposed various ways to respond to the global market and contribute to industry growth through standardization, expressing anticipation towards the upcoming mega wind power complex development and the accompanying progress in Korea’s wind power industry standards. KATS President Jin Jong-wook emphasized that “Wind power is a vital measure for countries around the world in attaining carbon neutrality. We will provide active support in the standards sector for the growth and global competitiveness of Korea’s wind power industry.” date2024-02-21
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Energy
Korea and Japan step up joint efforts for promoting clean hydrogen utilization
Director General for Hydrogen Economy Policy Park Chan-ki at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and Hiroo Inoue, Director General for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Department at Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry (METI), held the Korea-Japan Director General-Level Hydrogen Cooperation Meeting on February 15 in Japan. The two countries had agreed on the need for joint efforts regarding carbon reduction and clean energy cooperation during the Korea-Japan summit talks at Stanford University on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2023, and this director general-level meeting was held as a follow-up discussion on clean hydrogen cooperation. The two hydrogen and energy leaders reaffirmed the importance of clean hydrogen in achieving the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and held the view that the two countries’ collaboration as consumers and importers of clean hydrogen offers substantial potential in light of their similar industrial structure and energy consumption dynamics. Based on their shared interest, the two sides agreed to continue cooperative efforts in various areas, including the development of global hydrogen supply chains and new fields of hydrogen utilization, related standards, specifications, and policies. They also agreed to launch a director general-level “Korea-Japan Hydrogen Cooperation Dialogue” for the regular exchange of views and close cooperation on the global diffusion of hydrogen economy and clean hydrogen market leadership. date2024-02-16
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Energy
Companies at the forefront of nurturing Korea's CCUS industry
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) held a conference on February 15 in Seoul to facilitate communication with companies, local governments and other institutions to explain the Carbon Dioxide Capture, Utilization and Storage Act (CCUS Act), promulgated on February 6, and shared the future direction and plans regarding its subordinate legislation that concern detailed support measures, which are of intense interest for companies. Companies and local governments in turn offered various opinions on their expectations of the legislation and need for government support. At the conference, Korea Western Power Co. proposed the need for streamlining the licensing procedures required for installation and operation of carbon capture facilities and Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) reported that there exist various grounds to support demonstration project execution and special exemptions under the CCUS law and requested a higher level of receptivity in subordinate legislation. SK E&S proposed the need for government-led active support for international cooperation for cross-border CCS as well as bold incentives for the swift development of the infant industry. Chungcheongbuk-do representatives stated that the subordinate legislation should specify specific support measures for integrated complexes. MOTIE officials responded that a wide range of opinions offered by companies and institutions are to be amply considered and incorporated into the subordinate legislation and emphasized that communication channels like public hearings will be continued in view of the high level of interest shown by companies through this conference. date2024-02-15
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Energy
Vice Minister attends IEA Ministerial Meeting Government-Industry Dialogue
Trade, Industry and Energy Vice Minister Namho Choe attended the IEA Ministerial Meeting for dialogue between governments and industries (critical minerals session) on February 14 at the OECD Headquarters in Paris and engaged in discussions on measures for strengthening energy security and the critical minerals supply chain as a prerequisite for clean energy transition. date2024-02-15
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Energy
Vice Minister meets with Canada’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
Trade, Industry and Energy Vice Minister Namho Choe met with Canada’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Michael Vandergrift on February 14 in Paris on the sidelines of the IEA Ministerial Meeting to discuss measures for wider cooperation in clean energy, including critical minerals, hydrogen, and SMR. date2024-02-15
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Energy
Vice Minister meets with IEA Executive Director
Trade, Industry and Energy Vice Minister Namho Choe met with Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, on February 13 in Paris on the sidelines of the IEA Ministerial Meeting to discuss Korea-IEA CFE cooperation and measures for expanding clean energy utilization. date2024-02-15
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Energy
IEA Ministerial Communique, the first to recognize the role of nuclear energy to address the climate crisis and improve energy security
International Energy Agency(IEA) Ministerial Communique, the first to recognize the role of nuclear energy to address the climate crisis and improve energy security - Vice Minister Namho Choe met with IEA Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol at the 2024 IEA Ministerial - IEA and Korea agree to launch a joint study on carbon-free energy On February 14th, Vice Minister Namho Choe from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) attended the IEA Ministerial in celebration of the IEA’s 50th anniversary. During this Ministerial meeting, IEA Member States reaffirmed their dedication to deploying clean energy and ensuring energy security. Member States adopted the IEA Ministerial Communiqué, which is the first-ever multilateral agreement that recognizes the crucial role of nuclear power as a clean source to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, the Communiqué emphasizes the need to accelerate the deployment of various carbon-free energy technologies tailored to national circumstances and choices. This achievement is significant for many countries, including Korea, which is dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality. Moreover, governments, industries, academies, and experts participating in the IEA Ministerial engaged in a substantive discussion on accelerating global transitions. Korea presented its dedication to contributing to the global clean energy transition in light of its excellent commercialized carbon-free energy technologies and manufacturing-skilled industries. Vice Minister Namho Choe met with IEA Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol at the margins of 2024 IEA Ministerial and expressed their commitment to continued cooperation for a sustainable energy future. The IEA and Korea have agreed to intensify collaboration through a joint study on carbon-free energy utilization conditions in major countries this year. “To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the world needs to rapidly improve energy efficiency and accelerate the deployment of carbon-free technologies, including renewables, hydrogen, ammonia, CCUS and nuclear power in those countries that choose to use it. Against this backdrop, I hope the joint study we are doing with Korea on carbon-free energy will be a useful input to guide countries towards their energy and climate goals.” Dr. Fatih Birol said. “I look forward to further deepening our partnership with Korea following the extremely productive exchange we had today.” “Korean companies possess a competitive edge in the manufacturing technology of various clean energy fields, including batteries, semiconductors, nuclear power, renewable energy, and hydrogen. It is the unwavering commitment of Korea to contribute to establishing global energy security and accelerating the transition towards clean energy”, Vice Minister Choe stated, “I would like to express my appreciation for Dr. Birol’s leadership in guiding our responses through the energy crisis and for his dedication to ensuring that the IEA plays a key role in sustaining the global transition towards clean energy.” date2024-02-15
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Energy
Vice Minister meets with Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry State Minister
Trade, Industry and Energy Vice Minister Namho Choe met with Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kazuchika Iwata on February 13 in Paris on the occasion of the IEA Ministerial Meeting and discussed bilateral cooperation in energy areas, including carbon-free energy, hydrogen and ammonia and critical minerals. date2024-02-14
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Energy
Vice Minister meets with Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
Trade, Industry and Energy Vice Minister Namho Choe met with Stefan Wenzel, Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, on February 13 in Paris on the sidelines of the IEA Ministerial Meeting to discuss measures for carbon-free energy cooperation and for expanding bilateral energy cooperation. date2024-02-14