Summary:
President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea met with Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), to discuss enhancing energy security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region amidst the ongoing crisis due to the Iran war, which has impacted global energy supply, particularly through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The discussions focused on global energy trends, the importance of electrification, and strategies to fortify energy supply chains. Lee emphasized the need for collaboration among energy-importing nations to create resilient supply networks and shared concerns about transitioning to renewable energy amid these challenges. Birol praised South Korea’s commitment to electrification and discussed its burgeoning role in automotive electrification and renewable energy.
Their dialogue also touched on the role of nuclear power in the energy transition and Birol’s proposal to increase electricity’s share of total energy consumption to 35% by 2035. This meeting holds significance amid the backdrop of the World Climate Industry Expo and reflects South Korea’s active participation as a full IEA member since 2002.
