Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Joong-Kyung traveled to Abu Dhabi to attend the second Clean Energy Ministerial earlier this month. Korea, the United States, Italy, Sweden and Germany signed an agreement that will strengthen the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN).

ISGAN is a mechanism for multilateral collaboration in which Korea has taken the lead. The network was launched at the first Clean Energy Ministerial in July 2010, and the new implementing agreement will ensure its operational efficiency and institutional stability. Through ISGAN, countries can actively share information about ongoing smart grid projects so as to ensure the interoperability of the technology. This will facilitate the wider adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, which can be harnessed safely and effectively once the advanced power grids are in use.

"Globally, many countries have their own smart grid projects in various stages," Minister Choi said at the Ministerial. "Considering how complex the systems are, it is imperative that we share our knowledge and enhance cooperation." The Clean Energy Ministerial involved government ministers from more than 20 countries, who gathered to review the progress of their efforts to disseminate clean energy and increase energy efficiency. ISGAN was one of 11 initiatives launched at last year's meeting.

Source: MKE