The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE, Minister Kim Sungwhan) announced that it will host the “2026 World Climate Industry Expo” from September 16 to 18 at BEXCO in Haeundae-gu, Busan, together with the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the World Bank (WB).

Now in its fourth year, the expo will be held under the theme “Climate Tech Micro-to-Macro: Building a Net-Zero Future.” It will explore ways to translate climate tech innovation into a green transition across the economy and society, as well as tangible changes in people’s everyday lives. 

To this end, the expo will bring together a climate tech exhibition featuring 552 participating companies, conferences hosted by domestic and international organizations, business consultations to support the commercialization of participating companies’ technologies, and hands-on programs that allow visitors to participate directly.

In particular, this year’s expo will welcome IRENA as a new co-host, following the IEA in 2024 and WB in 2025. This is expected to further strengthen international cooperation in renewable energy and enhance the expo’s standing as a global event for discussing key challenges in the green transition, including energy security, electrification, and climate tech investment.

Around 1,800 visitors and representatives from domestic and international companies and organizations will attend the opening ceremony on the morning of September 16. Executive Director of IEA Fatih Birol and Director General of IRENA Francesco La Camera will deliver keynote speeches, while Regional Practice Director for Infrastructure, East Asia and Pacific of WB Sudeshna Ghosh Banerjee will deliver congratulatory remarks.

Executive Director Fatih Birol said, “At a time when geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping the global energy landscape, the most important resource is trust.” He added, “As a trusted partner with strengths in batteries and power grid equipment, Korea is expected to play an important role in diversifying global supply chains and strengthening energy security.”

Director General Francesco La Camera said, “We view Korea’s expansion of renewable energy and its vision for an electrified nation positively. We will work closely with Korea, which will serve as President of IRENA Assembly next year, to accelerate the global energy transition.”

Regional Practice Director Sudeshna Ghosh Banerjee said, “For climate tech innovation to drive a transformation of the entire energy system, policy and institutional reforms, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation must go hand in hand.” She added, “Together with Korea and international partners, we will support increased investment needed to modernize power systems and expand renewable energy deployment across Asia.”

Meanwhile, the expo will feature a “Climate Action Experience Center for Future Generations,” established in collaboration with local civic groups, offering hands-on programs such as upcycling and making solar-powered mood lights. At the exhibition hall and major events, the organizers will also introduce “Korea Climate Action” and the “10 Commitments of Climate Citizens,” with the aim of turning interest in climate tech into everyday climate action.

Prime Minister Han Seongsook said in her congratulatory remarks, “We are pleased to see the World Climate Industry Expo grow into a platform for cooperation where the future of climate and energy can be discussed alongside major international organizations.” She added, “We hope we can join forces to ensure that innovation in climate tech by Korean companies leads to opportunities to enter global markets and drive new growth.”

Minister Kim Sungwhan said, “When everyday actions such as saving energy and choosing climate-friendly products and services come together, they can create new demand and support companies’ technology development and investment.” He added, “Through this expo, we will support the expansion of both corporate climate tech innovation and climate action among the public.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com