AI and the Energy Revolution Meet in Busan... 2025 International Climate Industry Expo Opens

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The 2025 International Climate Industry Expo opened on August 27 at BEXCO in Busan. Co-hosted by the Korean government, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the World Bank, this event is a core program of "Energy Super Week." This year, under the theme "The Future Opens When the AI Revolution and Energy Revolution Go Together," a variety of exhibitions and international conferences are being held.

Prime Minister Kim Minseok stated in his opening remarks, "We will achieve carbon neutrality and simultaneously realize energy security and economic growth by building an energy superhighway, expanding the power grid, and transitioning to renewable energy." He added, "We will cooperate with the world for a sustainable future led by AI and energy."

The opening ceremony was attended by government representatives from 32 countries, embassies from 24 countries in Korea, key figures from international organizations such as IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol and the World Bank Vice President. Global digital companies such as Microsoft, Google, Nvidia, and Amazon Web Services, as well as clean energy companies including RWE, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Bloom Energy, also participated. Major Korean companies including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, SK Innovation, Hanwha Qcells, and Doosan Enerbility joined as well, with the opening ceremony drawing a crowd of over 1,000 people.

In his keynote speech, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol linked the spread of AI to increasing electricity demand. He noted, "With the expansion of AI, electric vehicles, and cooling demand, the growth rate of electricity demand could be up to six times faster than overall energy demand." He emphasized, "A strong and flexible power grid is the key source of competitiveness for the AI industry."

Birol also warned, "Power consumption by data centers will more than double by 2030, reaching nearly twice Korea's annual electricity consumption. If transmission grid investments do not keep up with the pace of development, serious bottlenecks may occur." He added, "AI can drive innovation in optimizing grid operations, discovering new materials, and improving battery performance. Diversifying supply chains and expanding clean energy through international cooperation are essential."

Michel Patron, Head of Energy Policy at Microsoft, who followed on stage, also stressed, "Supplying clean energy is essential to support AI and economic growth." He emphasized, "To ensure companies can reliably secure carbon-free electricity, the power purchase agreement (PPA) and renewable energy certificate (REC) systems must be organically linked."

About 540 companies participated in the exhibition, showcasing next-generation power grids and AI-based energy solutions. Hyosung Heavy Industries, LS Electric, and HD Hyundai Electric unveiled next-generation transmission technologies such as HVDC (high-voltage direct current transmission), microgrids, and ESS in the newly established "Energy Superhighway Pavilion."

Doosan's SMR (Small Modular Reactor) foundry technology, Korea Zinc's renewable energy and green hydrogen value chain, and Hanwha Qcells' floating and agrivoltaic solar power solutions for building RE100 industrial complexes also attracted attention. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics presented AI data center immersion cooling, zero-energy buildings, and eco heat pumps, while Hyundai Motor Company showcased electric vehicle charging robots, presenting a blueprint for the convergence of AI and energy.

During the event, 12 international conferences featuring about 100 speakers from Korea and abroad are being held. At the Korea-IEA Joint Forum, companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon Web Services, and Schneider Electric are discussing AI-driven electricity demand growth and system innovation, while the Korea-World Bank Global Forum is addressing resilient energy transition strategies for the East Asia and Pacific region.

In addition, "AI and Energy Transition" is a key agenda at other events such as the Korea Energy Agency-ADB Clean Energy Dialogue and the EU-Korea High-Level Seminar.

To expand youth participation, a job fair featuring 48 institutions and companies was also organized. For the first time, international organizations and overseas companies such as the World Bank, GGGI, and RWE participated, conducting one-on-one recruitment consultations. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA held an export consultation event connecting more than 60 overseas buyers with over 100 companies.

On the evening of August 27, a special drone show will be held at Gwangalli. Various side events, including an AI talk concert hosted by science YouTuber Gwedoga and AI robot experiences, will also take place. The event is being operated as a "carbon-neutral expo" by introducing electronic brochures and carbon offset credits.

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