South Korea and Germany are strengthening their cooperation in the energy sector, focusing on expanding renewable energy, stabilizing power grids, and electrifying industries. The two countries have agreed to renew their existing memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation and to broaden their collaboration into new technology areas such as clean hydrogen, energy storage systems (ESS), and artificial intelligence (AI).
On October 30, at the InterContinental Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, Lee Ho-hyun, the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, met with Stefan Luenhoff, the Parliamentary State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, to announce the renewal of the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDoI).
This renewal comes as both nations aim to simultaneously pursue carbon neutrality and enhance industrial competitiveness amid a transition to energy systems centered on renewable energy and increased electrification of industries.
Since establishing their energy partnership in 2019, South Korea and Germany have continued their collaboration through energy policy dialogues, expert exchanges, and joint research. This latest agreement reflects the establishment of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment last year and aims to specify cooperation areas and strengthen implementation frameworks in response to changing energy conditions.
The two countries plan to expand cooperation in renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean hydrogen, power grids, ESS, AI, digital technologies, and low-carbon technologies. They will particularly focus on ensuring the stability and flexibility of power grids in light of increased renewable energy deployment, digitalizing energy systems, and decarbonizing industrial sectors.
To facilitate this, the Korea-Germany Energy Transition Cooperation Committee will hold regular meetings with relevant departments to monitor the progress of cooperation projects. They also plan to continue initiatives such as Korea-Germany Energy Day, joint research, and technology exchanges between companies.
Earlier, on June 25, the two countries held the 8th Korea-Germany Energy Day in Berlin, discussing cooperation measures for establishing low-carbon power systems. Key topics included ensuring flexibility in power supply, integrating large-scale battery ESS into power grids, and battery recycling.
Lee Ho-hyun stated, "The transition to a renewable energy-centered system and the establishment of a stable and flexible power grid are core tasks for both countries that will determine future industrial competitiveness beyond just responding to the climate crisis. This renewal of the Joint Declaration of Intent will allow our manufacturing powerhouses to combine policy experiences and technological capabilities." He added, "We will expand practical cooperation between research institutions and companies to turn the energy transition into an opportunity for industrial innovation."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.