S. Korea, IEA discuss carbon neutrality at climate industry expo

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- The industry ministry said it has hosted a forum with the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Wednesday to discuss ways to expand the use of carbon-free energy sources on the sidelines of the climate industry exposition.

The event took place alongside the World Climate Industry Expo, which kicked off in the southern port city of Busan for a three-day run through Friday, aimed at promoting South Korea's Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) initiative, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

"The joint declaration made by South Korea and the IEA will accelerate the global promotion of the CFE initiative and will serve as a key milestone in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050," Second Vice Industry Minister Choe Nam-ho said during the forum.

On the previous day, South Korea and the IEA issued a statement acknowledging the CFE Initiative as "an effective means to accelerate progress towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050."

During the forum, Fatih Birol, the chief of the IEA, noted the importance of using a mix of energy sources, including nuclear power and clean hydrogen, to achieve carbon neutrality.

Birol highlighted that the CFE initiative is a good example of achieving carbon neutrality and energy security simultaneously.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, meanwhile, also hosted the CFE Leader Roundtable at the event, inviting representatives from 24 countries and 10 global organizations to discuss ways to address the soaring energy demand amid the boom of the AI industry while cutting carbon emissions.

colin@yna.co.kr
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