Clean Energy Ministerial Abu Dhabi, UAE April 6-7, 2011 Mr. Chairman, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. Background We are all here today because we want to expand usage of renewable energy, achieve higher energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Deployed effectively, smart grid serves as a reliable and energy efficient vehicle in addressing climate change. The IEA estimates that global deployment of smart grids can help reduce CO2 emissions by more than 2 gigatonnes per year by 2050 -- this is about 7% of all greenhouse gases produced worldwide. In Korea, we already have a smart grid test bed in operation on the southern island of Jeju. This is all possible because we are working on the legal framework to support our "Green Growth" initiative. We'd like to see smart grid nationwide in less than twenty years' time. Our commitment is steadfast to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below a BAU scenario in 2020. Globally, many countries have their own smart grid projects in various stages of development. Considering how complex the systems are, it is imperative that we share our knowledge and enhance cooperation Recognizing the enormous potential of cooperation, Korea, together with more than a dozen countries, set out to launch the International Smart Grid Action Network - ISGAN at the first Clean Energy Ministerial last summer. Fortunately, this number is growing -- so far, 19 countries and the European Commission.
Overview ISGAN aims for multilateral collaboration to facilitate smart grid technology development, demonstration and deployment on a global scale. I’m happy to announce that after months of hard work, several participating countries signed the IEA Implementing Agreement -- which will ensure ISGAN’s operational efficiency and institutional stability. Korea Secretariat's Role At ISGAN senior officials' meeting in Jeju, last November, Korea took on the role of Interim Secretariat and we are committed to continue in that role well into the future. Since then, Korea played a key role in setting up the strategy and specific projects for ISGAN in 2011 and beyond. On a more practical level, we are currently working on the ISGAN website as well as an information / database system for knowledge sharing. Good communication will determine the success of ISGAN, so the Secretariat will put top priority on opening and maintaining dialogue between policymakers and experts in the global smart grid community. Activities ISGAN is currently undertaking four projects to see where we are, where we are headed and how to reduce costs: 1 - A Global Smart Grid Inventory 2 - Smart Grid Case Studies 3 - Cost-benefit Analysis and Toolkits
4 - Synthesis of Insights for Decision Makers Next Steps and Closing Remark We have seen a strong start to ISGAN and the next big chapter will be the first Executive Committee meeting in Korea this June. The task will be to iron out the details for smooth ISGAN operations. ISGAN will seek cooperative relationships with other international bodies like APEC as well as private sector organizations -- as a way to further the cause of smart grid around the world. For everyone present, I would like to emphasize that ISGAN is open to and welcomes all interested countries. Both IEA Member and non-Member countries alike can take part in ISGAN. Working through ISGAN, we can share our experience and knowledge, and facilitate fast development & deployment of smarter power grids. Mr. Chairman and distinguished participants, I would like to request the active participation from all ISGAN members in this endeavor. I hope everyone can provide full and enthusiastic support for this important smart grid initiative. With this, I'll conclude my statements. Thank you.
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