Photo Credit : WAM
The UAE and South Korea have explored new opportunities to expand their strategic partnership in energy, nuclear power and advanced technologies during high-level talks in Abu Dhabi.
Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, met with South Korean Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The meeting reaffirmed the strength of the UAE-Korea Special Strategic Partnership, with both sides highlighting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant as a major symbol of successful international collaboration and a benchmark for global nuclear energy projects.
Officials reviewed prospects for future cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as well as possible joint ventures in third-country markets.
Energy security remained a key focus of the discussions, with both countries stressing the importance of resilient and diversified energy systems amid evolving global challenges. Talks also covered potential cooperation in oil and gas exploration, refining, petrochemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
Al Olama outlined the UAE’s ambitious clean energy goals, including plans to reach 22 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2031 and expand battery storage projects to support grid stability.
The two sides also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in improving energy efficiency and sustainable data centre operations. The UAE presented its efforts to implement AI-driven cooling technologies and energy efficiency standards for future digital infrastructure.
At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to continue close coordination and explore further partnerships to support innovation, sustainability and long-term economic growth.
