Busan: Energy ministers from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies have urged collaborative efforts to boost energy security and expand access to energy supplies in response to increasing electricity demand driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge industries.
According to Lao News Agency, the ministers concluded the two-day APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Busan, situated around 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, with a joint statement highlighting the critical need for international cooperation to tackle global energy challenges. The event was led by the Republic of Korea and focused on the theme “Accelerating Sustainable, Affordable, Reliable, Secure and Innovative Energy for a Prosperous Future,” attracting energy leaders from 21 APEC member economies, including the United States, China, Japan, and Russia.
The joint statement emphasized the growing electricity demand across the APEC region, driven by the increasing electrification of households, commercial buildings, transportation, and industry, along with the expansion of data centers supporting AI growth. The ministers advocated for diversifying power sources and technologies, supporting necessary investment, fostering technological innovation, and enabling efficient market operations to enhance power system flexibility, resilience, and stability.
The ministers specifically called for investment in power grid infrastructure, such as energy storage systems, microgrids, and subsea power cables, to bolster energy security within the APEC region. They also encouraged the “responsible” adoption of AI in the energy sector, recognizing that AI is propelling energy innovation in predictive analytics, demand management, and the development of virtual power plants.
The statement underscored the goal of supporting sustainable development of balanced, affordable, reliable, secure, and innovative energy systems, providing socioeconomic benefits like job creation and regional economic development, while respecting each economy’s domestic circumstances and priorities.
Korean Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan remarked on the significance of the event, noting that the Republic of Korea demonstrated leadership by spotlighting key energy issues on the international stage and fostering global consensus. He emphasized the country’s commitment to advancing new energy policies, including the “energy expressway” initiative and the expansion of renewable energy and next-generation power grids, to contribute more significantly to the international community.
The Korean government recently introduced an “energy expressway” initiative, aiming to construct high-voltage direct current (HVDC) infrastructure nationwide, along with a plan to develop a next-generation power grid that reduces long-distance power transmission inefficiencies and incorporates advanced AI technology.
In conjunction with the APEC meeting, Korea hosted the World Climate Industry Expo (WCE), the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial meeting, and the 10th Mission Innovation meeting in Busan to further promote international cooperation on energy issues.
