Korea strengthens cooperation with Poland in nuclear energy, defense

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Korea strengthens cooperation with Poland in nuclear energy, defense

Posted : 2022-07-01 17:00

Updated : 2022-07-01 17:08

Lee Chang-yang, minister of trade, industry and energy, second from left, and Anna Moskwa, minister of climate and environment of Poland, second from right, hold a meeting at the climate ministry in Poland, June 30 (local time). Yonhap

By Lee Kyung-min

Korea is gearing up to strengthen its partnership with Poland in the areas of nuclear energy, defense and advanced IT technologies. The move is part of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's drive to find new overseas markets for Korean products, according to the trade and industry ministry, Friday.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang met with his Polish counterpart and high-ranking political leaders, June 30 (local time), during his first official overseas trip accompanied by representatives of a dozen state-run and leading private energy firms.

The high-level meeting is the latest effort by the top energy policymaker to facilitate the sale of Korea's nuclear power plants, which includes operation and maintenance services. Lee visited the Czech Republic earlier to seek Korea's participation in nuclear energy and other power generation projects.

The energy ministry said Lee met for about an hour with Anna Moskwa, minister of climate and environment of Poland, and Ryszard Terlecki, deputy speaker of Poland's lower house, to discuss ways to advance bilateral cooperation in the nuclear, hydrogen, e-mobility, batteries and IT sectors.

The energy and legislative authorities of the two countries reaffirmed their joint commitment to the efficient use of nuclear power generation to fortify energy security and enhance carbon neutrality goals.

Lee said the construction of nuclear power plants is a highly advanced process that should be followed by six decades of operation and maintenance.

"Korea is confident of undertaking such long-term projects, as proven by decades of experience and a track record of safety, budget planning and compliance. Our competence is reassured by ongoing cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to build nuclear power plants in Barakah," he said.

Poland announced a plan in February of last year to build six nuclear power plants by 2043, after deciding on the specifics of the model of the plants this year. Construction will begin as early as 2026.

Lee and Moskwa agreed to meeting regularly to strengthen energy cooperation, including nuclear power, hydrogen and e-mobility as well as the upgrading of social overhead capital (SOC) projects.

The local state-run firms that accompanied the minister at the meeting included the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) and KEPCO's subsidiaries, including Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). Private sector participants included Doosan Enerbility and Daewoo Engineering and Construction (E&C).

lkm@koreatimes.co.kr