#U.S.-Koreadialogue

[thxnews]

Energy Security: U.S.-Korea Partnerships

In an era of geopolitical tensions and climate urgency, the United States is doubling down on strengthening energy partnerships with its allies to accelerate the global clean energy transition, according to a senior State Department official. At a briefing this week, Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt provided an inside look at the 10th annual U.S.-Republic of Korea Energy Security Dialogue held in Houston. The high-level talks focused on deepening cooperation across three key fronts:  

Wind turbine farm. Photo by World Bank Photo Collection. Flickr.   Forging Resilient Supply Chains To power the energy revolution, both nations are collaborating to diversify sources for critical minerals and materials like: Solar panels and batteries Wind turbine components Electric vehicle parts "Korea has been one of the most active partners in securing these supply chains away from reliance on China," said Pyatt, highlighting ROK investments in U.S. manufacturing under the Inflation Reduction Act.   Korean Energy Footprint in U.S. Billions invested in secure solar supply chains New battery, EV component plants Offshore wind power projects  

Ford - Powered by Hydrogen. Photo by Ian Muttoo. Flickr.   Unleashing Clean Tech's Potential Beyond traditional fossil fuels, the dialogue spotlighted joint public-private efforts to scale up emerging clean technologies like: Green hydrogen produced from renewable energy Carbon capture for heavy industries Next-generation solar and geothermal With Korea a "world leader" in energy storage, Pyatt said cooperation could "decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors requiring high temperatures" for steel, chemicals and more.  

Wave energy test site in Oregon. Photo by Oregon State University. Flickr.   Shores of Energy Security Undergirding these efforts is a shared commitment to enhancing energy security across the Indo-Pacific amid Russian disruptions. Pyatt revealed Korean firms are supplying transformers and equipment to "keep the lights on in Ukraine" following Moscow's attacks on infrastructure there. Both countries are also exploring ways to reduce reliance on Russian LNG exports to the ROK. "This is not an area of tension," Pyatt stated. "We find our Korean allies very attentive to the threat Russia's invasion poses."   Widening Circle of Collaboration Looking ahead, the official left the door open to potentially expanding future energy dialogues to include other regional partners like Japan, Australia and New Zealand. "We're not quite there yet, But this is very much on the agenda as we look to deliver more value through multilateral cooperation." As the world races to avert climate catastrophe while bolstering economic resilience, the U.S. is banking on deepening ties with its friends to help power that dual-track transition. For the latest on America's global energy diplomacy, visit www.state.gov/energy   Sources: THX News & US Department of State. Read the full article