EU envoys explore water tech collaboration with K-water

Ambassadors from the European Union and four of its member states visited Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-water) on Tuesday, showing strong interest in the company’s cutting-edge water management technologies.

The visit has sparked expectations of expanding Korea’s presence in the European water market amid growing challenges posed by climate-induced water crises. It also marks a pivotal step in advancing Korea’s water industry on the global stage and lays the groundwork for the potential commercialization of its technology in European markets.

The EU delegation at K-water’s headquarters and research center in Daejeon included EU Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernandez, along with Greek Ambassador Loukas Tsokos, Belgian Ambassador Bruno Jans, Slovak Ambassador Marek Repovsky and Slovenian Ambassador Jernej Müller.

The ambassadors toured facilities showcasing K-water’s next-generation water management technologies, including digital twin platforms and satellite-based monitoring systems for floods and droughts.

The envoys were particularly impressed by real-time disaster response systems and predictive analytics tools powered by satellite data and radar technologies.

As Europe grapples with more frequent water-related disasters — including a historic drought in 2022 and severe flash floods in 2024 — demand is rising for advanced solutions to ensure water security.

In response, the EU is ramping up research and development across climate and environmental sectors, including water management, through its flagship policy initiative, Horizon Europe — a major program aimed at restoring scientific and technological leadership.

Horizon Europe emphasizes cross-border collaboration to address global challenges, including climate resilience and environmental protection. K-water is currently working with 17 institutions from eight European countries, including the German Aerospace Center, to develop space-based water resource technologies under the program.

Starting this year, Korea joined Horizon Europe as an associate member, and K-water is actively expanding its international research partnerships to help address global climate challenges and water-related issues.

Fernandez praised K-water’s capabilities, highlighting its decades of expertise and the potential of its advanced water management technologies.

"We will continue to support collaborative research efforts to address global water challenges," she said.

K-water CEO Yun Seog-dae stressed the strategic value of international cooperation, noting that in an era where technological leadership determines national competitiveness, advancing top-tier water management capabilities is crucial.

"We will strengthen strategic ties with EU partners and aim to turn joint research under Horizon Europe into a foundation for Korean water technology exports and long-term growth," Yun said.