The United Arab Emirates and South Korea have discussed expanding cooperation in energy, nuclear power, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies under their Special Strategic Partnership.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), and Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea, in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting covered opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation across the energy sector, including nuclear energy, energy security, advanced technologies, and digital infrastructure.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the importance of the UAE–Korea Special Strategic Partnership and highlighted the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant as a major project under bilateral cooperation.
The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation based on the Barakah project, including collaboration in third-country markets, advanced nuclear technologies, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Energy cooperation
The meeting included discussions on developments in the global energy sector and the importance of maintaining secure, diversified, and resilient energy systems.
Both sides also reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation in oil and gas development, refining, petrochemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and energy infrastructure projects.
Eng. Sharif Al Olama outlined the UAE’s energy transition plans, including its target of reaching 22 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2031, the deployment of large-scale battery storage projects, and the continued development of a balanced energy mix comprising renewable energy, nuclear power, and conventional energy sources.
Artificial intelligence and energy
The meeting also reviewed the role of artificial intelligence in the energy sector, particularly in improving energy efficiency and supporting data center operations.
Officials discussed the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s initiatives to improve the sustainability of data centers through energy-efficiency standards, AI-powered cooling technologies, and planning tools for future digital infrastructure.
Al Olama also presented the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance (GEEA) and outlined its role in facilitating international cooperation, knowledge exchange, project development, and policy collaboration among governments, technology providers, and financial institutions.
Eng. Sharif Al Olama Undersecretary – Energy and Petroleum Affairs UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
“The UAE and the brotherly Republic of Korea share a long-standing strategic partnership built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainable development. The success of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant stands as a testament to what our two nations can achieve together. We look forward to expanding our cooperation across nuclear energy, renewable energy, AI, energy efficiency, and advanced technologies to support energy security, drive economic growth, and create a more sustainable future.”
Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea, thanked the UAE for its continued partnership and hospitality, particularly during recent regional developments, and reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors.
