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| Energy experts from Korea, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden attend the Nordic Energy Research Conference in Seoul, Dec. 7. /Courtesy of Embassy of Denmark |
By Rachel Lee
Korean and Nordic energy experts discussed sustainable energy solutions at the Nordic Energy Research Conference in Seoul, Dec. 7.
The Nordic embassies _ Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden _ organized the forum to join forces with Korean energy researchers, companies, government representatives and NGOs to share ideas on sustainable energy systems and present Nordic and Korean experience in the area.
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) Director General Nam-ho Choe also attended and praised the initiative.
The four embassies are encouraged by the "commitment and ambition of President Moon Jae-in and his administration within renewable energy development and energy efficiency," the Danish embassy said.
Finland Ambassador Eero Suominen said: "Over 70 percent of Finland is forest and we have over 188,000 lakes. Finland's rise to prosperity is based on our expertise in using renewable natural resources.
"New bio-economy opportunities will be based on the smart exploitation of biomasses and water resources, the development of the associated technologies and high added value products and services. In the future, we will continue to use our renewable natural resources in a traditional, wise and versatile way."
Finland aims to increase the share of renewable energy to over 50 percent of consumption and phase out coal use in energy production. It also wants to bring the share of renewable transport fuels up to 40 percent by 2030.
Norway is committed to an ambitious climate policy. It wants to be carbon neutral by 2050 and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 30 percent of its 1990 emissions by 2020. Significant measures are taken at home and abroad to fulfill this ambition. To achieve a successful transition to a low-emission society, the Norwegian government will invest in green growth and green jobs.
At the same time, increased energy efficiency and the use of more renewable energy are crucial. Norway has good access to environmentally friendly renewable energy sources that provide a robust foundation for a successful transition to a low-carbon society.
"Climate change and the need for major economic and environmental restructuring are some of the trends affecting our societies and our way of life," Norwegian Ambassador Jan Grevstad said.
"Norway has committed to becoming a low-emission society by 2050. We will do this through partnerships at home and abroad. With Korea's bold ambitions in the area of climate and energy, I look forward to exploring opportunities for future collaboration between Korea and Norway towards a low-carbon society."
Sweden has a long tradition of ambitious climate policy and recently set a goal to be one of the first fossil fuel-free welfare countries in the world. Leading the way in the transition to a fossil fuel-free society, including energy, is not only morally right, but also economically smart, it says.
Sweden Ambassador Anne Hdglund said: "Korea is a leading innovative nation in many fields relevant to green energy transition. We follow with great interest the new policy developments to increase the share of renewable energy.
"In Sweden, the goal is to have an energy system based on 100 percent renewable sources. Already, electricity production is almost fossil fuel-free and policy instruments, such as a carbon tax, have contributed to the replacement of oil and coal with bioenergy and wind. We hope that co-operation between our countries can be deepened during the coming years."
The Danish government has a vision for the further development of its energy sector: eliminating coal from power generation by 2030, covering Denmark´s electricity and heat supply using renewable energy by 2035 and ultimately creating a society free from fossil fuels by 2050.
"The transition of Denmark to become a fossil fuel-free nation by 2050 is an ambitious goal and in line with the Danish track record on green transition," Danish Ambassador Thomas Lehmann said. "It is important to work together internationally to create common solutions to common problems and therefore we are looking forward to continue working closely together with Korea to develop new, state-of-the art energy solutions,"
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