PHL, Sokor to deepen cooperation in energy

THE Korea-philippines Energy Forum on December 9 at the Korean Embassy was jointly hosted by the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Department of Energy (DOE, held in conjunction with the latter’s 50th anniversary and the National Energy Consciousness Month.

Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella stated in his keynote that the forum is symbolic of the decades-old relationship of the Philippines and South Korea, which has evolved into a strategic partnership.

Further, he welcomed the DOE’S utmost desire to strengthen their strong engagement, particularly in boosting Korean investments in the local energy sector.

In his welcome remarks, Korean Embassy’s Minister-counselor Hong Soon-chang cited that the “importance of energy has… been highlighted due to the global supply-chain disruption, climate change, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Recalling that President Yoon Suk-yeol and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to cooperate on energy at the sidelines of the Asean-related summits on November 12, Hong stressed that “the forum is a great opportunity to deepen understanding of energy policies and technologies, and seek practical ways to cooperate in the energy sector between the two countries.”

About 100 representatives from government, energy companies, research institutes, and experts in the energy sector attended, according to the Korean Embassy. The forum, it said, consisted of five topic-sessions and focused discussions on energy policies, renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, new and emerging technologies such as hydrogen and electric vehicles (EVS), as well as nuclear energy.

“Energy is emerging as a core factor in national security and carbon neutrality…[the Korean] government is pursuing five goals: to establish a feasible and reasonable energy mix, [including] nuclear power and renewable energy; to secure strong resources and energy security; to [improve] energy efficiency…and market structure based on market mechanisms; to promote the export of energy technology and foster new growth engines such as nuclear power, hydrogen, [as well as] solar/wind power; and to enhance energy welfare and policy acceptance,” said Dr. Lee Sang-lim, Korea Energy Economics Institute’s research fellow.

“[South] Korea is seventh in electricity consumption, relying 92.8 percent on imported energy. To improve energy efficiency, [our] government is taking measures: to support investment in energysaving facilities in industries; to promote the construction of highefficiency buildings in buildings; to disseminate highly efficient and environment-friendly vehicles in transport; and to encourage the use of high-efficiency equipment and appliances,” said Kim Ga-yon, Korean Energy Agency (KEA) manager.

“The cumulative number of EVS and EV charging stations in Korea stands at 230,000 and 72,000, respectively. The Korean Government is accelerating the promotion of EVS through subsidy programs, etc.,” said Dr. Kang Jong-su, Korea Automotive Technology (KATECH) Institute director. “Moreover, [we support the development of electric shuttle buses] for Asean.”

“Kia and KATECH are proceeding with the design and development of [the] electrified Purpose Built Vehicle for the Philippine market, which is expected to be delivered by 2025,” shared Kwak Taeyoung, Kia Corp. senior manager.

“[Our company has] developed the System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor, which is 100-times safer than the current nuclear power plants; and has competitive economics which acquired standard design approval in 2012,” revealed Lim Chae-young, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute vice president. “KAERI has maintained partnership with other countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan in technology transfer, joint research and development projects, as well as human-resources development.”