Jeon Byeong-seo, head of the China Economic and Financial Research Institute, proposed that South Korea and China collaborate on the development of microgrids, or small-scale independent power networks.
Speaking at the 2026 China Economic and Social Forum held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on September 15, Jeon emphasized the need for global cooperation to address the climate crisis. The forum, organized by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, focused on 'Global Governance for a Community of Shared Future for Mankind.' It is notable that a South Korean expert in Chinese economics participated in this official international exchange platform.
Jeon stressed that the failure of one country to control carbon emissions is akin to overdrawing from the global ecological account, and that innovations in green technology from any one nation contribute to the survival of humanity. He asserted, 'There can be no bystanders in the face of the climate crisis.'
He particularly highlighted the potential for cooperation between Korea and China in addressing climate challenges. 'By combining China's algorithm capabilities in artificial intelligence with Korea's advanced manufacturing and precision control technologies, we can develop intelligent microgrids and optimize industrial energy efficiency systems,' he said, adding that this would maximize the value of each unit of electricity produced.
Jeon also called for the two countries to establish unified carbon emission accounting standards and certification systems in key sectors such as batteries, automobiles, and electronics. He noted that this would significantly reduce compliance costs for businesses in both countries and provide a foundation for jointly addressing unreasonable 'green trade barriers' from external sources.
Furthermore, he suggested that both nations should create a joint research and development fund to foster a 'chemical bond' between Korea's precision technologies and China's vast market. This collaboration could help tackle advanced challenges in areas such as long-duration energy storage and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
Jeon concluded by stating, 'When China's wind and solar energy meet Korea's hydrogen energy, and Eastern wisdom is integrated into global governance, we can redesign a clean, prosperous, and peaceful Asia.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.