SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with International Energy Agency (IEA)'s executive director Fatih Birol at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul to discuss the global energy crisis and the country's transition toward renewable energy.
Lee said the global energy crisis is becoming more serious amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which has also created a major challenge for South Korea's efforts to shift toward renewable energy.
He asked Birol for his views on how the energy situation could develop and how countries should respond, adding that South Korea would continue to work with the international community in line with the IEA's broader energy strategy.
Birol responded that the world is facing a massive energy crisis, with countries looking for new strategies to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
He pointed to electrification as a way to strengthen energy security and cut reliance on fossil fuels. He also praised South Korea's plan to make it a key part of the country's energy policy and said he would promote the approach internationally.
He also said nuclear power could support renewable energy as countries work to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
The two also discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation on energy supply chains in the Asia-Pacific.
AJP Takeaways
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol in Seoul on Sept. 17, 2026, to discuss the global energy crisis, energy security and South Korea's transition toward renewable energy.
- Fatih Birol said electrification could help strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while welcoming South Korea's plan to make electrification a key part of its energy policy.
- Lee Jae Myung and Fatih Birol also discussed the role of nuclear power and regional energy cooperation, including efforts to strengthen energy supply chains across the Asia-Pacific region.
Lee said the global energy crisis is becoming more serious amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which has also created a major challenge for South Korea's efforts to shift toward renewable energy.
He asked Birol for his views on how the energy situation could develop and how countries should respond, adding that South Korea would continue to work with the international community in line with the IEA's broader energy strategy.
Birol responded that the world is facing a massive energy crisis, with countries looking for new strategies to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
He pointed to electrification as a way to strengthen energy security and cut reliance on fossil fuels. He also praised South Korea's plan to make it a key part of the country's energy policy and said he would promote the approach internationally.
He also said nuclear power could support renewable energy as countries work to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
The two also discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation on energy supply chains in the Asia-Pacific.
AJP Takeaways
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol in Seoul on Sept. 17, 2026, to discuss the global energy crisis, energy security and South Korea's transition toward renewable energy.
- Fatih Birol said electrification could help strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while welcoming South Korea's plan to make electrification a key part of its energy policy.
- Lee Jae Myung and Fatih Birol also discussed the role of nuclear power and regional energy cooperation, including efforts to strengthen energy supply chains across the Asia-Pacific region.
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