Naju-si Accelerates Preparations for 'Energy International Forum' Event

Naju City in Jeollanam-do is solidifying preparations for a world-class ‘International Energy Forum’ event comparable to the World Economic Forum’s Swiss Davos Forum.

According to Naju City on the 30th, the International Energy Forum Promotion Committee (Chairman Moon Seung-il), launched on May 14, recently held a meeting to intensively discuss the event’s name, topics to be covered at the forum, and sessions.

The International Energy Forum Promotion Committee is holding a meeting to prepare for the tentative 'Naju Energy Forum 2024,' scheduled to be held at Korea Energy Engineering University on September 26-27.
[Photo by Naju City]

The International Energy Forum Promotion Committee consists of energy field professors, experts, and institution heads including Chairman Moon Seung-il, Director of KENTECH Research Institute; Yoo Dong-hee, Head of Energy Valley Promotion Office at Korea Electric Power Corporation; Professor Yoon Jae-ho of KENTECH; Professor Park Hyo-yeon of Chonnam National University; Professors Jung Soon-nam and Lee Soon-hyung of Dongshin University; Kim Yoo-shin, Chairman of Jeonnam Energy Industry Association; Kim Dong-ok, Director of Jeonnam Technopark Center; officials from Jeollanam-do and Naju City; and Naju City Council member Kim Kang-jung.

The forum is scheduled to be held over two days, September 26?27, at Korea Energy Technology University (KENTECH), an energy-specialized university located in Naju Innovation City.

The committee has tentatively decided on the official forum name as ‘Naju Energy Forum 2024’ (abbreviated NEF2024).

The theme will be ‘RE100, Carbon Neutrality, Distributed Energy,’ and the three main sessions will cover ‘Smart Grid, Hydrogen Energy, and Nuclear Fusion (SMR).’

They also shared the status of inviting world-renowned figures and Nobel laureate-level scholars for keynote speeches and thematic presentations, while planning exhibition and program operations differentiated from other forums, as well as promotional strategies.

The tentative ‘Naju Energy Forum 2024’ event represents the fulfillment of Mayor Yoon Byung-tae’s campaign pledge to host an ‘International Energy Event.’

This pledge focuses on Naju City’s ambition to become a global energy hub beyond South Korea, actively participating in worldwide energy transition issues and firmly establishing an energy city brand that enhances the region’s value and competitiveness, similar to the Davos Forum.

Especially at a time when environmental values such as carbon neutrality and RE100 (100% corporate renewable energy use) are regarded as critical constraints in corporate management, this forum, held in Naju City?designated this year as the ‘Direct Current Industry Global Innovation Regulatory Free Zone’?is expected to serve as a catalyst for attracting energy companies and expanding investment.

Mayor Yoon Byung-tae stated, “Naju Energy Forum 2024 will provide companies aiming to achieve RE100 with an opportunity to experience Naju’s energy new industry infrastructure vision in response to the industrial paradigm shift toward carbon neutrality and green business.”

He added, “We will thoroughly prepare to enhance the forum’s competitiveness and program substance centered on the International Energy Forum Promotion Committee, raising citizens’ pride and ensuring a forum event that satisfies companies.”

Naju = Kim Yuk-bong, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr