AMCHAM Hosts “Evolving Energy Forum” to Advance U.S.-Korea Energy Partnership 

Forum highlights policy trends, supply chain resilience, and energy security amid global transition

April 18, 2025 - The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM; Chairman and CEO James Kim) hosted an event titled “Evolving Energy Forum: Opportunities in the Korea-U.S. Partnership” today at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, and industry experts for in-depth discussions on the future of bilateral assistance in the energy sector.

Held under the theme “A New Era of Korea-U.S. Cooperation in the Energy Sector,” the Forum provided a timely platform for dialogue on emerging global energy policy trends, supply chain resilience, cross-border investment, and innovation-driven sustainable growth. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global energy landscape, the event highlighted the importance of reinforcing U.S.-Korea cooperation to ensure long-term energy security, competitiveness, and climate progress.

The event began with opening remarks by James Kim, AMCHAM Chairman and CEO, who emphasized the tremendous potential of U.S.-Korea energy cooperation in deepening bilateral investment and collaboration. “Energy is emerging as one of the most strategic pillars of U.S.-Korea cooperation,” he said. “Together, the U.S. and Korea have a unique opportunity to lead the world in delivering clean, secure, and sustainable energy solutions that will power the future. Korea’s support of U.S. LNG gas will be extremely helpful in both reducing the trade deficit and enhancing the overall relationship with the United States.”

He added, “At a time of global uncertainty, it is more important than ever for governments and businesses to double down on efforts to reduce non-tariff barriers, expand cross-border investment, and promote regulatory alignment. To support this goal, AMCHAM recently released our 『2025 Business Environment Insight Report』, which outlines key regulatory challenges - including in the energy sector - that should be considered to fully realize the potential of bilateral cooperation.”

In his congratulatory remarks, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun said, “As the global community witnesses a rapid surge in electricity demand?driven by the widespread deployment of artificial intelligence, the expansion of data centers, and increased investment in advanced industries such as semiconductors?it has become more critical than ever to develop energy policies that support the establishment of a resilient and secure energy supply system.”

He added, “In this context, given Korea’s significant reliance on energy imports, it is essential to strengthen close cooperation with key partners, including the United States. Korea and the U.S. have long maintained a strong partnership built on mutual trust, and I hope today's forum will serve as a meaningful platform to generate diverse ideas that further advance future-oriented cooperation between our two countries.”

The event also featured video remarks by Governor Mike Dunleavy of the State of Alaska, who expressed strong support for deepened cooperation in energy security and strategic partnerships. Highlighting the Alaska LNG project, he emphasized Alaska’s readiness to serve as a reliable and responsible energy partner for Korea and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Governor Dunleavy also underscored the importance of long-term collaboration grounded in trust, proximity, and shared values between the two countries.

Eekno Jo, Director General for Energy Policy Bureau from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), delivered a keynote speech on Korea’s energy policy strategy and vision, outlining the nation’s approach to energy transition and sustainable development.

This was followed by a video address from Tommy Joyce, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, who underscored America’s global leadership in driving energy innovation and advancing international partnerships. “South Korea is one of America’s most vital energy allies. As we unleash a new era of energy abundance, the U.S.-Korea partnership will be essential to strengthening global energy security, building resilient supply chains, and expanding access to affordable, reliable energy across the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

In the main sessions, Ryan Russell, foreign attorney at Kim & Chang, discussed Korea’s evolving energy policy and regulatory landscape. He said, “The fact that Korean policymakers clearly recognize the importance of addressing the ‘energy trilemma’ and are prioritizing energy policy across administrations and party lines bodes well for the nation’s continued growth and development.”

Seung Ho Choe, CEO of Pacifico Energy Korea, presented perspectives on the future of offshore wind development and the need for deeper supply chain and energy security collaboration. “Energy security is a crucial part for both Korean and U.S. firms given its impact on the clean energy supply chain in the Asia-Pacific region. It becomes imperative for Korean and U.S. companies to continue close collaboration to ensure supply chain stability and contribute to promoting the local supply chain. Korea has world-class manufacturing and industrial base; Korea has a great potential to become a hub of offshore wind supply chain in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. It will drive Korean and U.S. companies, including Pacifico Energy, to provide unyielding support so that Korean suppliers can expand their market presence in the Asia-Pacific offshore wind market,” he said.

June Choi, Country Head of Korea, Bloom Energy, shared insights on enabling sustainable power systems to support the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centers in Korea in light of the U.S. AI data centers’ responses to huge power demand. He emphasized, “As AI technologies continue to advance, global electricity demand is soaring - making innovative and sustainable power solutions absolutely essential.”

The Forum concluded with a dynamic Fireside Chat moderated by Analeigh Suh, Korea Energy Analyst at BloombergNEF. The session offered forward-looking perspectives on the future of Korea-U.S. energy cooperation, focusing on key areas such as trade, energy security, and sustainable growth in the age of AI. The discussion touched on the evolving energy landscapes in both countries, new opportunities in LNG, offshore wind, and fuel cell sectors, as well as the implications of current tariffs and shifting U.S. energy policies on the global clean energy transition.

Participating in the discussion were Ryan Russell of Kim & Chang, Seung Ho Choe, CEO of Pacifico Energy Korea, June Choi, Country Head of Korea, Bloom Energy, and Kwon Jong Kim, Head of the Energy Policy Department at POSCO International. Together, they underscored the need for stronger public-private collaboration to secure resilient clean energy supply chains, promote innovation, and enable both nations to lead the next wave of global energy transformation.

The Evolving Energy Forum reaffirmed AMCHAM’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships and meaningful dialogue that accelerate innovation, strengthen energy security, and drive sustainable economic growth in both Korea and the United States.