Alaska governor, DOE official call for stronger Korea-US LNG cooperation
The governor of Alaska signaled the state’s interest in partnering with South Korea on liquefied natural gas development and reaffirmed its commitment to long-term energy cooperation at a forum hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea on Friday.
Speaking via video at the event held under the theme, “A New Era of Korea-US Cooperation in the Energy Sector,” Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy championed his openness to business regarding the Alaska LNG project, which could foster sustainable energy partnerships between the US and Korea, according to him.
“For our Asian allies, Alaska energy offers more than just a stable supply -- it offers proximity, predictability and partnership,” he said. “We’re not just exporting gas, but we’re strengthening our ties.”
The Alaska LNG project is emerging as a key issue in Korea-US tariff talks, as Trump has pushed for "one-stop shopping," or a deal linking trade and security. The Trump administration is seeking Korean investment in the $44 billion project in exchange for long-term LNG supply and possible tariff relief.
Dunleavy visited Korea less than a month ago in late March, meeting with acting President Han Duck-soo and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun to discuss potential cooperation on the Alaska LNG project. But the Korean government has reportedly yet to receive sufficient details to assess the project's feasibility properly.
Tommy Joyce, acting assistant secretary for international affairs at the US Department of Energy, also delivered a video address calling the energy partnership a key force underpinning global energy progress.
“South Korea is one of America’s most vital energy allies,” Joyce said. “As we unleash a new era of energy abundance, this partnership will be essential to strengthening global energy security, building resilient supply chains and expanding access to affordable, reliable energy across the Indo-Pacific.”
Underscoring existing Korean investment in US energy, the DOE official referenced Hanwha Group’s June 2024 acquisition of a 15 percent stake in LNG company NextDecade and Posco Holdings’ interest in gas reserve assets.
At the forum, AmCham Chairman and CEO James Kim called energy “one of the most strategic pillars of US-Korea cooperation,” and highlighted a unique opportunity for both nations to lead the global transition toward clean, secure and sustainable energy.
“Korea’s support of US LNG gas will be extremely helpful in both reducing the trade deficit and enhancing the overall relationship with the United States,” Kim said.
On the Korean side, Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun pointed to surging global energy demand, driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
“It has become more critical than ever to develop energy policies that support the establishment of a resilient and secure energy supply system,” Ahn said. “Given Korea’s significant reliance on energy imports, it is essential to strengthen close cooperation with key partners, including the US.”
Eekno Jo, director general for the energy policy bureau at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, delivered a keynote speech outlining Korea’s energy policy road map, with a focus on energy transition and sustainable development.
As the event progressed, three main presentations offered in-depth insights into energy security, clean energy innovation and cross-border investment.
Ryan Russell, foreign attorney at Kim & Chang, shed light on Korea’s evolving energy framework, noting that policymakers are now working to address the “energy trilemma” -- the challenge of balancing energy security, sustainability and affordability.
Choe Seung-ho, CEO of Pacifico Energy Korea, spoke about the promise of offshore wind energy, while June Choi, Country Head of Korea at Bloom Energy, shared insights on the role of sustainable power systems in supporting the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
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