Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Korea, Saudi Arabia Pursue a Closer Nuclear Partnership

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE), a Saudi Arabian institution established to implement the nation’s renewable-energy policy, hosted a Ministerial Roundtable meeting on June 24 in Seoul to enhance bilateral ties in the nuclear industry. The purpose of the meeting was to further specify the cooperation agenda discussed at the preparation meeting for the roundtable held in February. In his opening remarks, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Yoon Sang-jick, stressed his commitment to the nuclear partnership and predicted that “Korea’s nuclear technology and know-how will greatly contribute to the development of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear industry.” With regard to recent nuclear scandals, Yoon said, “Korea takes a very strong stance on the issue and it will thoroughly investigate the matter and take measures to prevent a recurrence.” In addition, he said, “to that end, the government will make every effort to upgrade Korea’s quality assurance system of nuclear parts to a world-class level.” At the meeting, K.A.CARE showcased Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program. MOTIE in turn briefed attendees on the current status of bilateral ties. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) highlighted the role of nuclear power in Korea’s industrial development. Moreover, Korea suggested various opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties. Sessions were also given by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the Korea Nuclear International Cooperation Foundation (KONICOF), the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on areas including localization of nuclear power plants, training skilled personnel, safety and regulation of nuclear power and cooperation in the R&D sector. Saudi Arabian officials said, “the Roundtable was a good forum for exchanging constructive views of the two countries on Saudi Arabia’s nuclear development.” They added, “We expect further cooperation talks to come to learn more about Korea’s experience of successful nuclear power plants construction.” As part of efforts to develop sustainable and stable energy resources, Saudi Arabia plans to add 17.6 gigawatts of nuclear power generation capacity by 2032 and is expected to place an order for the construction of its first nuclear power plant next year. While countries like France, Japan, and China are vying to win future nuclear bids in Saudi Arabia, South Korea is also making vigorous efforts to attract Riyadh, having concluded the bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Agreement in November 2011. * Released by the Nuclear Plant Export Promotion Division date2013-06-26

Minister Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony for 2nd UAE Nuclear Reactor

date2013-06-07

Minister Greets Ugandan Energy Minister

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Yoon Sang-jick shakes hands with his Ugandan counterpart, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Irene Muloni on May 27 in Gwacheon. The discussion focused on energy ties including oil, gas and mineral resources. date2013-06-04

Korea, Indonesia Stepping Up Energy Ties

South Korean Deputy Minister for Energy and Resources Kim Jundong led a delegation from the public and private sectors to Bail, Indonesia on April 30 to host the 6th Korea-Indonesia Energy Forum. The event was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and exploring new business opportunities in the energy and resources sectors. Under the theme of “Collaboration in Energy Development and Technology Partnership,” the event consisted of four sessions including oil and gas, coal and minerals, electricity and renewable energy. The occasion provided a chance for 150 participants to hold in-depth discussions and share information about the two nations’ energy policies and opportunities for joint projects. On the sidelines of the forum, two separate working group-level meetings were arranged to discuss gas utilization and renewable energy and energy conservation. The meeting produced two memorandums of understanding and a memorandum of agreement at the private level on better utilizing Indonesia’s gas resources and developing promising joint projects in related industries. As the two nations have a long history of cooperating in a wide range of fields in the energy industry, Deputy Minister Kim said the forum would serve as an opportunity to strengthen their economic partnership and promote trade in the energy sector. * Released by the Asia Division; the Resources Development Strategy Division; and the New and Renewable Energy Division date2013-05-07

Korea, Iraq Purse Closer Ties in Energy

date2013-05-02

Minister Tours Jeju Global Research Center

date2013-04-09

Minister Visits Jeju Smart Grid Test-bed

date2013-04-08

Vice Minister Speaks on Renewable Energy

Vice Minister for Trade and Energy Cho Seok attends the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Ministerial Roundtable Meetings on January 14 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. date2013-01-21

Vice Minister Speaks at the Korea-Canada Natural Gas Forum

Vice Minister for Industry and Technology Yoon Sang-Jick delivers congratulatory remarks at the first Korea-Canada Natural Gas Forum on December 12 in Vancouver, Canada. The forum was arranged to expand bilateral collaboration in natural resources such as shale gas and natural gas. date2012-12-24

Korea, U.S. Pursue Closer Energy Partnership

Minister of Knowledge Economy Sukwoo HONG (left) shakes hands with the U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu on December 6 in Washington D.C. The two officials discussed cooperation on clean energy technologies as well as the development of non-conventional energy resources including shale gas. date2012-12-14