Korea, UK collaborate to combat climate change

Karl John, an offshore wind specialist at the U.K. Department for Business and Trade, speaks during the fourth Korea-U.K. Offshore Wind Industry Forum in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of British Embassy in Seoul

A campaign called Green Week is currently underway to explore potential collaborations between Korea and the United Kingdom in addressing climate change and advancing the transition to clean energy sources.

During Green Week, which encompasses more than 20 events, there is a particular emphasis on enhancing trade cooperation and partnerships between Korea and the U.K. in sectors crucial to both countries' Net Zero transition. These sectors include clean energy and future mobility innovation.

Experts from both Korea and the U.K. gathered at the fourth Korea-U.K. Offshore Wind Industry Forum in Seoul on Tuesday. Co-hosted by the British Embassy and the Korea Wind Energy Industry Association, the forum provided a platform for sharing insights into the U.K.'s leadership in offshore wind energy. Discussions also revolved around charting the course for offshore wind development in Korea.

From Wednesday through Friday, the U.K. is set to participate in InterBattery 2024, Korea's largest battery exhibition held at COEX. Notably, the U.K. will showcase its largest-ever pavilion at the event. A myriad of companies and organizations from the U.K., such as Aberlink, BSI, Horiba Mira, IDTechEx, Innovate U.K., LEVC (London Black Cap Electric Taxi), and Trustonic, will be exhibiting their future mobility capabilities at the event. They aim to explore opportunities for collaboration and cooperation within the industry.

On Thursday, the Department for Business and Trade of the British Embassy in Seoul and the Korea Battery Industry Association will co-host a seminar at COEX introducing the U.K.'s electric vehicle (EV) and battery industry, as well as investment opportunities. At the seminar, speakers from the U.K. Office for Investment, Advanced Propulsion Centre, the Faraday Institute, the U.K.’s largest battery research center, the U.K. Motor Industry Research Association and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders will share practical information about the U.K. government’s battery industry strategy, grants, R&D programs, battery development and verification, battery production and regulation.

On the same day, the British Embassy in Seoul and SK Ocean Plant will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the British ambassador’s residence for the activation of the U.K.’s offshore wind industry, paving the way for the entry into and cooperation with the U.K., which owns one of the world’s largest offshore wind project pipelines and is a leading country in the renewable energy and offshore wind energy industry for carbon neutrality.

“The net-zero transition is not just important for our climate. It is good for business too. Last year, the U.K. net-zero economy grew by 9 percent — impressive growth in challenging economic times. That’s why the embassy is hosting a number of events during Green Week that bring together U.K. and Korean commercial expertise in key sectors that support the transition to net zero carbon emissions, like offshore wind and electric vehicle batteries," British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks said.

"I hope that Green Week will encourage more Korean companies to take seriously the lucrative export and investment opportunities that the U.K.’s green technology sector has to offer," he added.