By Min Yea-Ji and Lee Hana

Korea has been chosen to host the next International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC), a high-level political forum dedicated exclusively to the renewable energy sector.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced on Sept. 15 that the IREC governing board had picked Korea as the next host country. The decision was made at the 2017 IREC in Mexico City on Sept. 14. The next IREC conference will take place in Seoul from Oct. 23 to 26, 2019.

The IREC is convened by the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), an international non-profit association based at the U.N. Environment Program (UNEP) in Paris.

The IREC is attended by over 4,000 people biennially. The list of attendees includes international organizations like the U.N. Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), and energy ministers and industry experts from over 100 countries. On the agenda are round table sessions for high-level officials, as well as exhibits, seminars, panel discussions and workshops.

According to the MOTIE, the REN21 governing board selected Korea as the next host country based on the following factors: Korea's decision to completely shut down its nuclear reactors and coal power plants over the next few years, and policy-driven initiatives that aim to transition over to renewable energy sources.

"The 2019 IREC, to be hosted by Korea, will provide a great opportunity to show the world our plans to cultivate the renewable energy sector. It will also be a chance for local companies to venture out into international markets," said Park Wonjoo, head of MOTIE's energy resources dept.

jesimin@korea.kr