Global Tech and Energy Leaders Convene in Busan for 2025 Climate Expo

The 2025 Climate Industry International Expo officially kicked off in Busan, bringing together global leaders to address the urgent challenges of climate change. Hosted at the BEXCO convention center, the event, co-organized by the South Korean government, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the World Bank, is centered on the theme “Energy for AI & AI for Energy.” The three-day expo features exhibitions from over 560 companies, a dozen conferences, and numerous side events, drawing high-level government representatives from 32 countries and executives from leading global corporations.

South Korea Unveils National Energy Transition Project

In his opening address, Prime Minister Kim announced that South Korea’s new administration has launched a sweeping national energy transition project. He emphasized the government’s commitment to pioneering an “energy expressway,” expanding the national power grid, and accelerating the shift toward renewable energy sources. “Through these efforts, we will achieve carbon neutrality, strengthen our energy security, and drive economic growth simultaneously,” the Prime Minister stated. He also highlighted the critical synergy between artificial intelligence and energy, noting, “The advancement of AI requires a stable energy transition, and energy innovation requires AI technology. The fusion of these two pillars will be our breakthrough in overcoming the climate and energy crisis.”

Hyosung Showcases Next-Generation Power Grid Technology

At the forefront of the exhibition, Hyosung Heavy Industries is displaying its latest innovations for the next generation of power grids. A key highlight is the company’s High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission system, the first to be independently developed in South Korea. This technology is a game-changer, minimizing power loss over long distances compared to traditional HVAC systems and being ideally suited for integration with renewable energy sources. It is expected to play a crucial role in the government’s new “West Coast Energy Expressway” project.

To support this vision, Hyosung has announced a major investment of 330 billion won to expand its HVDC production infrastructure, including a new transformer factory in Changwon. Once complete, the facility will make Hyosung the only company in the country capable of providing a total HVDC solution, from system design to manufacturing key components. “We are presenting a blueprint for the future power ecosystem, combining AI and eco-friendly solutions,” said Hyosung Heavy Industries CEO Woo Tae-hee. “With next-generation technologies like HVDC, we will lead the global energy transition.”

Korea National Oil Corporation Focuses on Clean Energy

Meanwhile, the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) has set up its pavilion under the slogan “Better Energy for Us & Earth.” The state-run company is showcasing its portfolio of clean energy projects designed to help meet the nation’s carbon neutrality goals. Among the initiatives being promoted are a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project utilizing the Donghae gas field, a large-scale floating offshore wind power project, and a business focused on the import and distribution of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia. In a move to attract new talent to the sector, KNOC will also host a career fair during the expo, offering one-on-one counseling for students interested in joining the company.