Abu dhabi: Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), met with Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy of Korea, in Abu Dhabi to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, nuclear power, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
According to Emirates News Agency, both sides reaffirmed the strength of the UAE-Korea Special Strategic Partnership, spotlighting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant as a notable achievement and a model of international collaboration. They discussed opportunities to build on Barakah's success through collaboration in third-country markets, advanced nuclear technologies, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
The meeting also addressed global energy security and the importance of maintaining resilient and diversified energy systems. Both parties emphasized the strategic role of the UAE-Korea energy partnership and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in oil and gas development, refining, petrochemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and energy infrastructure projects.
Al Olama highlighted the UAE's energy transition agenda, including its goal to reach 22 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2031 and the deployment of large-scale battery storage projects. He stressed the importance of a balanced energy mix combining renewable energy, nuclear power, and conventional energy sources for energy security and resilience.
The discussions also focused on the role of artificial intelligence in the energy sector, particularly concerning data centres and energy efficiency. MoEI presented its initiatives to enhance data centre sustainability through energy-efficiency standards and AI-powered solutions.
Moreover, Al Olama introduced the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance (GEEA), emphasizing its role in promoting international collaboration, knowledge exchange, project development, and policy sharing among various stakeholders.
Kim Jung-kwan expressed appreciation for the UAE's continued partnership and hospitality, reaffirming Korea's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and explore new collaboration opportunities under the UAE-Korea Special Strategic Partnership, reinforcing their shared vision for innovation, sustainability, and long-term prosperity.