The South Korean government is enhancing cooperation with Kazakhstan, the world's largest uranium producer, on nuclear fuel supply chains. In Turkmenistan, it is laying the groundwork for domestic companies to enter the market for large-scale canal modernization and smart water management, expanding collaboration in Central Asia on water and energy.
On September 15, the Ministry of Climate and Energy announced that three memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed during a summit at the Blue House with leaders from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. All agreements were made in the presence of the two countries' leaders.
An MOU was established with Kazakhstan's Nuclear Energy Agency to enhance nuclear cooperation. This framework will focus on collaboration in nuclear policy, workforce training, research and development, and the management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.
The cooperation also aims to improve the stability and resilience of the uranium supply chain. The agreement includes expanding collaboration in nuclear and radiation safety, environmental protection, and international joint scientific projects, as well as facilitating exchanges between research institutions and companies, internships, and practical training.
Kazakhstan accounted for 38.6% of the world's uranium production in 2024, surpassing Canada at 23.7% and Namibia at 12.2%. The Ministry of Climate and Energy expects this cooperation to strengthen South Korea's domestic nuclear fuel supply chain and energy security.
Additionally, an MOU was signed with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy regarding cooperation in renewable energy and the transition to clean energy. This initiative aims to connect South Korea's technological and industrial capabilities with Kazakhstan's demand for expanding renewable energy and power grids, targeting carbon neutrality by 2060.
The two countries will collaborate in areas such as wind, hydro, and solar energy, as well as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and power grid stabilization infrastructure. The cooperation will also include building value chains for the production and supply of clean hydrogen and ammonia, joint research, data sharing, and feasibility studies. High-level policy dialogues and working groups will facilitate the exchange of technical and regulatory experiences, while business expos and investment seminars will create conditions for public-private investment and corporate collaboration.
Furthermore, an MOU was signed with the Turkmenistan Water Resources Committee to enhance cooperation in water resource management. This initiative aims to sustainably manage local water resources, which are vulnerable due to the dry climate and climate change, while expanding opportunities for domestic water companies.
The main focus of this collaboration will be the modernization of water infrastructure, including the Karakum Canal. Specific projects will be identified, such as AI-based flood forecasting and a 3D water management platform utilizing digital twin technology.
Digital twin technology creates a virtual space that simulates real-world conditions to assist in water management decision-making before events like floods and droughts occur. The two countries also agreed to collaborate on irrigation and agricultural water supply systems, water reuse, desalination, and workforce training.
Minister of Climate and Energy Kim Sung-hwan stated, "Addressing climate change has become a pressing challenge of our time. I hope that the signing of these MOUs will strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation to respond to the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to a decarbonized green economy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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