South Korea Strengthens Energy Ties with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia
In a strategic move to enhance energy cooperation, South Korea’s Deputy Minister for Energy Policy, Lee Ho-hyeon, is visiting Türkiye and Saudi Arabia from February 24 to 27, 2025. This visit aims to bolster partnerships in key energy sectors, including nuclear energy, power grids, hydrogen, and petroleum. South Korea is looking to expand its global energy collaborations, and Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are two crucial partners in the Middle East for this initiative.
Both Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have ambitious energy goals, focusing on clean energy transitions and nuclear energy development. South Korea, known for its expertise in nuclear technology and renewable energy, is positioning itself as a key partner in these projects.
Engagement with Türkiye
On February 24, Deputy Minister Lee met with Türkiye’s Deputy Ministers of Energy and Natural Resources, Zafer Demircan and Ahmet Berat Çonkar. This high-level dialogue marks a significant milestone as it is the first official discussion on nuclear energy between South Korea and Türkiye in 13 years.
Türkiye has set an ambitious target of generating 20 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power by 2050. The country is currently working on nuclear energy projects in Sinop and Thrace to meet its long-term energy demands and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. South Korea’s state-owned company, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), has submitted a proposal to build a 4.8 GW nuclear power plant in Sinop. If approved, this project could become a significant collaboration between the two nations, showcasing South Korea’s expertise in nuclear energy technology.
Additionally, discussions covered the expansion of power grids and the integration of renewable energy sources. Türkiye is focusing on strengthening its electricity transmission networks to support its growing energy needs and ensure stable electricity distribution across the country. South Korea’s experience in smart grids and energy storage solutions could play a key role in these developments.
Dialogue with Saudi Arabia
On February 26, Deputy Minister Lee is scheduled to meet with Nasser Bin Hadi Alqahtani, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs. This meeting will focus on several critical areas, including large-scale nuclear power projects, expanding electric grids, and developing clean hydrogen technologies.
Saudi Arabia is actively working to diversify its energy sources as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The country aims to reduce its reliance on oil and move towards cleaner energy solutions, including nuclear power and hydrogen fuel. South Korea, which has extensive experience in nuclear power plant construction, is looking to partner with Saudi Arabia to support its nuclear energy ambitions.
One of the major topics of discussion will be the role of clean hydrogen in the energy transition. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in green hydrogen projects, positioning itself as a future leader in the global hydrogen market. South Korea, which has ambitious plans to integrate hydrogen into its energy mix, sees an opportunity to collaborate on hydrogen production, transportation, and storage technologies.
Additionally, South Korea and Saudi Arabia are expected to explore potential investments in smart energy infrastructure, electric vehicle charging networks, and carbon capture technologies. These discussions align with the broader goal of creating sustainable and energy-efficient economies.
Strengthening Energy Partnerships
South Korea’s engagement with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia highlights its commitment to expanding its energy partnerships in the Middle East. By collaborating on nuclear energy and clean hydrogen initiatives, South Korea aims to contribute to global energy stability and sustainability.
Deputy Minister Lee emphasized the importance of analyzing global energy policies related to sustainable development and climate change. He stated that South Korea will continue working closely with Europe and the Middle East to create new opportunities for Korean companies in the energy sector.
These partnerships also hold strategic significance for South Korea, as the country looks to secure long-term energy agreements and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Strengthening ties with energy-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will help South Korea diversify its energy sources and ensure energy security for the future.
Historical Context
South Korea has a strong history of energy cooperation with both Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the country has signed multiple agreements to enhance collaboration in various energy sectors, including petrochemicals, nuclear power, and clean hydrogen.
One of the notable past deals between South Korea and Saudi Arabia took place in October 2023, when South Korean companies Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Engineering secured a $2.4 billion contract with Saudi Aramco. This project involved building a major gas processing plant at the Jafurah field, Saudi Arabia’s largest natural gas site. This deal highlighted South Korea’s growing role in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector.
In Türkiye, South Korea has also been involved in various energy projects, including investments in renewable energy and energy storage systems. The two nations have previously collaborated on infrastructure projects and are now looking to strengthen their energy partnership further.
These ongoing efforts reflect a mutual commitment to energy security, diversification, and technological innovation, aligning with global trends toward sustainable and clean energy solutions.
Future Prospects
The outcomes of Deputy Minister Lee’s visits to Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are expected to lay the foundation for stronger energy cooperation in the coming years. Potential collaborations could include:
- Joint ventures in nuclear power plant construction: If South Korea secures agreements to build nuclear reactors in Türkiye or Saudi Arabia, it would mark a significant milestone in international energy collaboration.
- Technology exchange in renewable energy: South Korea can provide expertise in wind, solar, and energy storage solutions to support the energy transitions in both nations.
- Development of clean hydrogen projects: Collaborations on hydrogen production and export could create new energy markets and strengthen global supply chains.
Such partnerships will be beneficial not only for the nations involved but also for regional energy stability and the global transition toward cleaner energy sources.
As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, South Korea’s proactive engagement with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signifies a strategic approach to fostering strong international energy alliances. With a focus on sustainability, energy security, and technological advancement, these partnerships could play a key role in shaping the future of global energy cooperation.
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