Anduk Geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, held a meeting on the 20th with Helen Clarkson, head of the RE100 campaign, who visited Korea as the host of the 'Asia Renewable Energy Growth Forum,' to discuss Korea's renewable energy policy direction and cooperation plans for the RE100 campaign.
RE100 is a campaign urging companies to switch 100% of the electricity they use to renewable energy such as solar and wind power. Carbon-Free Energy (CFE), unlike RE100 which only recognizes renewable energy, is a concept that also recognizes nuclear power and hydrogen, which do not emit carbon, as carbon-free energy.
During the meeting, Minister Anduk highly praised the achievements of The Climate Group, which is contributing to the global expansion of renewable energy, and explained the Korean government and companies' efforts to promote and utilize renewable energy. Minister Anduk emphasized that the Korean government is actively promoting the expansion of renewable energy under the principle of balanced use of CFE, and that the 'Strategy for Expanding Renewable Energy Supply and Strengthening Supply Chains' announced on the 16th reflects the government's policy will.
He also explained that Korea, as a manufacturing-centered country with high electricity consumption in industries such as semiconductors, steel, and automobiles, faces very unfavorable conditions for renewable energy utilization compared to major countries, but so far, 36 companies have declared joining RE100, actively participating in renewable energy use. The government has also promptly established officially recognized RE100 implementation measures in line with this and mentioned that it will continue to improve convenience for companies to use renewable energy in the future. In response, Helen Clarkson stated that it was an opportunity to understand the Korean government's policies.
In addition, Minister Anduk requested The Climate Group to ensure that the opinions of Korean companies are actively reflected in the recent revision process of the 'Global RE100 Technical Criteria.' He especially asked for special consideration of Korea's renewable energy supply environment, which differs from major countries, and Helen Clarkson responded that she would carefully consider the request.
Furthermore, Minister Anduk explained the Korean government's efforts and necessity for carbon-free energy transition in response to the climate crisis and carbon neutrality. Both sides agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation on matters where CFE and the RE100 campaign can work together in the future.
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