South Korea to chair global renewable energy agency

SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) - South Korea has been selected to chair the next General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency, a role that will place Seoul at the center of global discussions on the expansion of clean energy.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that South Korea was designated as chair at IRENA’s 16th Assembly, held Jan. 11–12 in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The chairmanship runs for one year.

Founded in 2011, IRENA promotes the development and broader adoption of renewable energy worldwide. The organization has 171 members, including the European Union. Its annual Assembly is the agency’s highest decision-making body.

South Korea has served on IRENA’s council since the organization’s early years, but this marks the first time the country has been appointed to lead the Assembly.

As chair in 2027, South Korea will preside over Assembly meetings, help shape the agenda and work to foster cooperation among member states to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy.

The government said it expects the role to bolster international coordination around its policy priorities, including a renewables-led energy transition and broader efforts toward decarbonization and green growth.

Lee Won-ju, director general for energy transition policy at the climate ministry, said the appointment reflects international confidence in South Korea’s clean-energy strategy.

“By successfully hosting the next Assembly, we will enhance South Korea’s standing in global clean-energy governance and produce tangible outcomes in international cooperation, including securing overseas projects,” he said.

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.

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