Major international organizations, including the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the World Bank (WB), along with 552 companies from around the world, are convening in Busan to discuss green transition and energy security through climate technology.
The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced on September 16 that the '2026 International Climate Industry Expo' will be held at BEXCO in Busan for three days, until the 18th.
This year's expo, now in its fourth iteration, is themed 'Transformative Change through Climate Tech: A Leap Towards a Decarbonized World.' The event will feature climate tech exhibitions, academic discussions from domestic and international institutions, business consulting sessions to support participating companies, and experiential programs for visitors.
For the first time, IRENA joins as a co-host, following the IEA in 2024 and the World Bank last year. Key topics for discussion will include renewable energy, energy security, electrification, and investment in climate technology as part of the green transition.
Approximately 1,800 attendees, including representatives from domestic and international companies and organizations, are expected at the opening ceremony. IEA Secretary-General Fatih Birol and IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera will deliver keynote speeches, while Sudeshna Ghosh Banerjee, the World Bank's Regional Director for Asia, will offer congratulatory remarks.
Birol noted that the global energy order is being reshaped due to geopolitical uncertainties, predicting that South Korea, with its strengths in battery and power grid technology, will play a crucial role in diversifying supply chains and enhancing energy security.
La Camera praised South Korea's expansion of renewable energy and its vision for becoming an electrified nation, expressing intentions to strengthen cooperation for global energy transition as South Korea prepares to host the IRENA General Assembly next year.
Ghosh Banerjee emphasized that connecting climate tech innovation to a comprehensive energy system transition requires simultaneous improvements in policies and regulations, infrastructure investment, and international collaboration, pledging support for investments in power grid modernization and renewable energy deployment in the Asia region.
The expo will also feature a 'Future Generations Climate Action Experience Center' organized in collaboration with local civic groups, where visitors can participate in activities such as upcycling and creating solar-powered decorative lights. The government plans to introduce South Korea's climate actions and ten commitments from climate citizens during key events.
Minister of Climate Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan stated, 'When everyday practices come together, new demand is created, which can also support companies' technology development and investment. We will support the spread of corporate climate tech innovation and public climate actions together.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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