(Busan, May 27, 2023) The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI, President & CEO Martin Henkelmann) in cooperation with the Korea Energy Economic Institute (KEEI), Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) and German policy consultancy think tank adelphi, held the 5th Korean-German Energy Day (KGED) conference on May 26 at Bexco, Busan, South Korea.
The KGED is the flagship event of the Korean-German Energy Partnership, co-hosted by German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). The Energy Partnership was founded in 2019 when a Joint Declaration of Intent was signed by the two countries on extended cooperation in energy transition.
The conference, under the theme of “Tackling the Climate and Energy Crisis: The Role of Offshore Wind, Grid Expansion and Digitalization,” attracted more than 120 key officials from Korean-German energy sector. Distinguished speakers included Peter Winkler, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Seoul, Cheon Young-ghil, Deputy Minister for Energy Industry Office of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), Minsoo Kim, Vice President of Korea Southern Power Co. and Sungho Hong, Country Managing Director of Siemens Energy Ltd. Korea & Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Korea.
Peter Winkler, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Seoul emphasized the importance of a rapid and comprehensive transition to renewable energy as a response to Russia’s weaponization of energy exports. “German government has implemented legislation to speed up renewable energy planning and approval process,” Winkler said. This highlighted a strong commitment to expand renewable energy facilities and usage. Also, he added, “It is vital for both countries to cooperate and support each other towards the same goal and develop sustainable solutions for the environment and the future.”
Cheon Young-ghil, Deputy Minister for Energy Industry Office of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) emphasized the importance of resilient energy systems and energy policies suitable for South Korea to establish a stable energy supply network. He stated, “South Korea is promoting carbon neutrality through an energy mix policy that utilizes renewable and low-carbon-energy. We aim to enhance energy efficiency in industries and buildings, promote energy industries such as hydrogen, wind, and solar power generation, and collaborate with Germany as well as multinational cooperation for energy security and pursuing carbon neutrality.”
The conference was conducted into three sessions: △Energy Policy Transition △Offshore Wind Expansion △Smart Grids and New Business Models for Supporting Energy Transition. Various companies and policy institutions from both countries, including Korea Resource Economics Association, German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI), TÜV SÜD Korea, Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP), Korea Wind Energy Industry Association, Tenne T, RWE Renewables Korea, Korea Smart Grid Institute, Ffe Muenchen and Korea Power Exchange delivered presentations and engaged in panel discussions to share opinions and experiences related to energy policies.
Jihee Jeong, Chair of the Secretariat of Korean-German Energy Partnership in Korea stated, “The Korea-Germany Energy Day, which has become a platform for the exchange of experiences and opinions in the government, industry, research, and civil society sectors in the field of energy between Korea and Germany, is already celebrating its 5th edition. I am convinced that collaboration becomes stronger as we face diverse challenges. KGEP team intends to provide more active support for the cooperation between the two countries in response to two challenges: the climate crisis and energy security.”aktion auf zwei Herausforderungen zu bieten: die Klimakrise und die Energiesicherheit."
