"First Recognition of Nuclear Power's Role in Fossil Fuel Reduction"… IEA and Korea Collaborate on Zero-Carbon Energy Research

Joint Statement Released at IEA Ministerial Meeting

On the 14th (local time), the International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial Council Government-Industry Dialogue (Critical Minerals Session) was held at the OECD headquarters in Paris, France. From Korea, Choi Nam-ho, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, attended. Photo by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has, for the first time, recognized the role of nuclear power as a clean energy source to reduce fossil fuels at a ministerial meeting. It also agreed to jointly study the Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) initiative led by South Korea.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 15th, the IEA announced a joint statement with this content at a two-day meeting of energy and climate ministers from 31 member countries held at the IEA headquarters in Paris, France, starting on the 13th (local time). The statement aims to outline the path forward for the IEA to implement the outcomes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

At COP28, countries had previously agreed on measures such as transitioning away from fossil fuels and tripling renewable energy production.

The ministers first called for the complete or near-complete decarbonization of the power sector by 2035 to achieve the goal of limiting the global average temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. They pointed out the need for additional investments in the energy sector to achieve this.

The ministers also highlighted the role of nuclear power as a clean energy source. They stated, "Countries that choose to use or support the use of nuclear energy recognize its potential as a clean energy source that can reduce dependence on fossil fuels." However, they added the caveat that ensuring the highest levels of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation is essential.

The statement also included content related to the CFE initiative emphasized by the South Korean government. The ministers said, "We emphasize the need to advance clean energy technologies and expand the deployment of existing or new carbon-free technologies," adding, "This includes renewable energy as well as low-carbon renewable hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies."

An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy explained the significance, saying, "This joint declaration is the first agreement to recognize the important role of nuclear power in reducing fossil fuel dependence, and it also reflects for the first time the need to promote the adoption of various carbon-free energy technologies tailored to each country's circumstances."

At this IEA ministerial meeting, South Korea was represented by Choi Nam-ho, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Lee Hoe-sung, Chairman of the Carbon-Free Energy Alliance (CF Alliance). On the 13th, Vice Minister Choi met with Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director, and agreed to strengthen cooperative relations for a sustainable energy future. The IEA decided to start joint research with South Korea on the conditions for utilizing carbon-free energy by major countries.

Choi Nam-ho, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (left in the photo), is shaking hands with Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), on the 13th (local time) at the OECD headquarters meeting room in Paris, France. On this day, Vice Minister Choi discussed agenda items such as promoting joint research on CFE (carbon-free energy) between Korea and the IEA and cooperation plans to expand clean energy. Photo by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, explained, "To achieve net zero by 2050, it is necessary to rapidly improve energy efficiency and promote the adoption of carbon-free technologies, including nuclear power, but only in countries that have decided to use nuclear power along with renewables, hydrogen, ammonia, and CCUS." He added, "I hope the joint research on carbon-free energy between the IEA and South Korea will greatly assist in setting national energy and climate goal pathways."

Vice Minister Choi said, "Korean companies possess manufacturing technology competitiveness in batteries, semiconductors, nuclear power, renewable energy, and hydrogen," and added, "We will make great contributions and efforts to establish global energy security and accelerate the clean energy transition."

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