Energy ministers from APEC economies met in Busan for the 15th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting to address rising electricity demand, rapid electrification, and climate challenges. They focused on three priorities: expanding electricity supply, reinforcing grid security, and leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize energy systems.
Vice Minister Hohyeon Lee of Korea, who chaired the meeting, highlighted Korea’s plans to expand its national grid, develop an “energy highway,” strengthen storage, and deploy AI-enabled microgrids. Ministers emphasized the importance of investment, cross-border cooperation, and shared standards to create resilient and sustainable energy networks.
APEC Executive Director Eduardo Pedrosa stressed the urgency of building intelligent, adaptive infrastructure amid global uncertainties and rapid AI advances. Busan, with its offshore wind projects and eco-friendly data centers, served as a backdrop for Korea to showcase its integration of digital technology and renewable energy.
The meeting also included contributions from private sector representatives and international organizations such as the World Bank and International Energy Agency, focusing on scaling investment and accelerating smart technology deployment. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure secure and sustainable energy systems across the region.