WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 10, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Minister of Knowledge Economy Joong-Kyung Choi of the Republic of Korea signed a new agreement establishing the U.S.-Korea Clean Energy Technology Partnership that will strengthen our bilateral cooperation in clean energy technology research and development (R&D).

“The agreement will enable the United States and the Republic of Korea to expand our already strong bilateral cooperation on clean energy,” Secretary Chu said. “By working together toward our shared clean energy goals, we can promote the kind of innovation that will help win the clean energy race and create jobs in both of our nations.”

The United States and the Republic of Korea cooperate closely in many multilateral initiatives, including the Major Economies Forum, Clean Energy Ministerial, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the International Energy Agency, and through the Korea-led Global Green Growth Institute. We also look forward to working together to advance green economy goals through clean energy at Rio+20, the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development.

The agreement states that the two countries will cooperate on clean energy research in areas including energy efficiency, renewable energy, smart grid technology, green transportation, carbon capture and storage, and energy storage systems.

Researchers from both countries will be able to exchange scientific and technical information, organize workshops, and consult to promote joint R&D projects, among other forms of collaboration.

Minister Choi is joining Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak on a state visit hosted by President Barack Obama. The visit will highlight the strong alliance, global partnership, and deep economic ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea.