Building a Green Future: The Evolution of the Korean-Australian Partnership
Key Ideas
- South Korea's shift towards renewables challenges the traditional coal and LNG trade partnership with Australia.
- Collaboration on critical minerals, green hydrogen, offshore wind, and grid technology presents new opportunities for job creation and climate safety.
- The focus on green iron, green ammonia, and critical mineral refining signals a shift in finance towards green projects.
- Policy changes, such as accelerating coal phase-out and redirecting subsidies, are key to achieving the ambitious climate targets set by both nations.
The article discusses the evolving partnership between South Korea and Australia from a traditional coal and LNG trade relationship to a collaborative effort in green technologies. South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung's commitment to renewables has set a new trajectory for the two countries, with a focus on achieving 30% renewable electricity by 2030 and phasing out coal-fired power plants by 2040. Australia, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is also seeking alternative growth paths beyond fossil fuel exports, with a keen interest in climate action. The article highlights key areas of cooperation, such as critical minerals, green hydrogen, offshore wind, and grid technology, where both nations can work together to establish a green value chain.
Specific initiatives include the construction of a lithium-hydroxide refinery in Gwangyang, co-investment in refining and precursor production, transitioning to green ammonia production, and offshore wind projects. The focus on green iron, ammonia, and critical mineral refining is seen as a significant shift in financing towards sustainable projects. Policy changes, like accelerating coal phase-out and redirecting subsidies from fossil fuels to green technologies, are crucial for achieving the ambitious climate goals set by both countries.
The article also outlines the importance of finance and talent development in the transition towards a green economy. Initiatives like the Green Economy Partnership Arrangement and the Busan–Newcastle Green Tech Campus are highlighted as key components in building the necessary infrastructure and workforce for sustainable development. The policy triage section emphasizes the need for bold decisions to remove legacy subsidies and accelerate the transition away from coal.
Key deliverables and timelines are provided, showcasing the planned actions by the Korean government, such as signing agreements on hydrogen and mineral certification, investment decisions for green iron projects, and launching the Green Tech Campus cohort. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of seizing the opportunity presented in the next 18 months to strengthen clean-energy investments and advance towards ambitious climate targets.