APEC Energy Ministers Call for Joint Efforts to Strengthen Energy Security Amid Soaring Demand for Electricity

Energy ministers from 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathered in Busan, South Korea, to discuss the rising demand for electricity and its impact on energy security. The meeting, chaired by South Korea, highlighted the need for joint efforts to strengthen energy security and broaden access to energy supplies. The ministers adopted a joint statement emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to address global energy challenges. The statement noted that the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) sector and other advanced industries is driving a significant increase in electricity demand.

Key Takeaways:

• The APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting brought together energy chiefs from 21 member economies, including the United States, China, Japan, and Russia, to discuss energy security and cooperation.
• The joint statement emphasized the importance of international cooperation to address global energy challenges and noted that the growth of the AI sector is driving a significant increase in electricity demand.
• The ministers encouraged economies to diversify their power sources and technologies, and called for investment in power grid infrastructure, including energy storage systems, microgrids, and subsea power cables.
• The adoption of AI across the energy sector was encouraged, with emphasis on responsible adoption to support energy innovation and enhance power system flexibility, resilience, and stability.
• Korean Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan highlighted the significance of the event, noting that South Korea demonstrated leadership by placing key energy issues on the international agenda and building global consensus.
• The Korean government's "energy expressway" initiative, which involves building high-voltage direct current (HVDC) infrastructure across the nation, was emphasized as a key component of the country's energy policy.

Statistics:

• 21 APEC member economies participated in the meeting, including the United States, China, Japan, and Russia.
• The growth of the AI sector is causing a significant increase in electricity demand across the APEC region.
• Investments in power grid infrastructure, such as energy storage systems, microgrids, and subsea power cables, are necessary to strengthen energy security.
• The adoption of AI across the energy sector is seen as crucial for enhancing power system flexibility, resilience, and stability.

Sources:

• Yonhap News Agency, "Energy ministers of member economies of APEC call for joint efforts to strengthen energy security" (August 28, 2025).
• South Korea's energy ministry statement.
• Korean Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan's remarks at the APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting.