Government Urges Participation in Hydrogen Economy at International Renewable Energy Agency Assembly

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Sung Yun-mo visiting the hydrogen charging station in Hakha-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon on December 26 last year. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 10th that it plans to attend the 10th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly and urge member countries to participate in and cooperate on the hydrogen economy.

Joo Young-jun, Director General of the Energy Resources Office at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, will visit Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from the 11th to the 13th to attend the 10th IRENA Assembly and the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

This assembly is the world's largest international renewable energy event held annually in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Over 4,000 participants from more than 170 countries gather to share experiences on renewable energy-centered energy transition policies and discuss development plans.

They will share Korea's current status and achievements in promoting the hydrogen economy and discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation with UAE government officials on oil reserves and other matters.

Director Joo will attend a ministerial roundtable on the theme of "Decarbonization-Green Hydrogen" at the assembly. He will explain the importance and role of renewable energy-based green hydrogen in national energy transition and climate change response.

He is also expected to urge member countries to participate in and cooperate on the hydrogen economy.

He will explain Korea's achievements in promoting the hydrogen economy over the past year, including the expansion of hydrogen vehicles and charging stations and the enactment of the Hydrogen Act.

Plans to promote technology development related to green hydrogen in Korea, such as the commencement of research and development (R&D) on megawatt (MW)-scale renewable energy-linked water electrolysis, will also be shared.

He will also express willingness to actively cooperate with countries possessing large-scale renewable energy potential to import overseas-produced green hydrogen. For example, joint research on green hydrogen with Australia is planned to be conducted by the end of this year.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy expects that attending this assembly will help form a global consensus on expanding the role of green hydrogen for the hydrogen economy and low-carbon economy.

It is anticipated to serve as an opportunity to discuss concrete cooperation measures for the early establishment of a global green hydrogen distribution system.

Meanwhile, a meeting will be held with Korean energy companies operating in the UAE to review response measures amid rapidly changing Middle East situations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.