Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun on April 18 in a keynote speech explains the government's energy policy at a forum under the theme "A New Era of Korea-U.S. Cooperation in the Energy Sector" hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea at Grand Hyatt Seoul in the capital's Yongsan-gu District.

By Yoon Sojung

Photos = American Chamber of Commerce in Korea

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun says Korea and the U.S. can achieve sustainable prosperity by deepening energy cooperation based on their strong bilateral partnership.

He said this on April 18 at a forum under the theme "A New Era of Korea-U.S. Cooperation in the Energy Sector" hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AmCham) at Grand Hyatt Seoul in the capital's Yongsan-gu District.

Stressing the growing global importance of energy security and supply, Minister Ahn said now is the time for Korea and the U.S. to jointly reinforce cooperation in energy and achieve sustainable prosperity.

"As the global community witnesses a rapid surge in electricity demand—driven by the widespread deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), expansion of data centers and increased investment in advanced industries such as semiconductors—it has become more critical than ever to develop energy policies that support the establishment of a resilient and secure energy supply system," he said.

"In this context, given Korea's significant reliance on energy imports, it is essential to strengthen close cooperation with key partners, including the United States. Korea and the U.S. have long maintained a strong partnership built on mutual trust," he added. "I therefore find a signal that Korea and America are to explore innovative development and collaboration in the sector together."

Mentioning small module reactors, hydrogen batteries and power equipment as sectors Korea is excellent in, he said, "The government is dedicated to fostering the future competitiveness of the new energy industry as a new growth engine."

"Based on the strong bilateral partnership based on trust, we will achieve sustainable prosperity despite difficult conditions at home and abroad," he added, expressing hope that both sides generate plans for future-oriented cooperation in fields like clean energy, supply chains and energy security.

AmCham Chairman James Kim said, "Energy is emerging as one of the most strategic pillars of U.S.-Korea cooperation," stressing how two-way energy collaboration can contribute to raising bilateral investment and strategic cooperation.

"Together, the U.S. and Korea have a unique opportunity to lead the world in delivering clean, secure and sustainable energy solutions that will power the future," he added, mentioning Korea's expanded purchase of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S. as a method of bilateral energy cooperation.

In a video message, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy underscored the importance of mid- to long-term bilateral collaboration grounded in trust, proximity and shared values, stressing the Alaska LNG project and his state's role as a reliable and responsible energy partner for Korea and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

After the keynote speech, the forum saw session presentations and a expert roundtable discussions on energy cooperation such as those with natural gas, offshore windpower, AI data centers and fuel cells. Participants agreed that bilateral cooperation in the sector can bring a "win-win" effect for both countries through sustainable investment and job creation.

The forum discussed new opportunities in bilateral energy cooperation in the era of energy transition. Attendees included experts, high-ranking government officials and business executives from related sectors from both countries.

AmCham Chairman James Kim on April 18 says energy cooperation with the U.S. can contribute to bolstering bilateral investment and cooperation at a chamber-hosted energy forum at Grand Hyatt Seoul in the capital's Yongsan-gu District.

arete@korea.kr