Chungnam Province to Collaborate with South Australia on 'Carbon Neutrality'

[Financial News] Kim Tae-heum, Governor of Chungnam Province, who is visiting Australia to explore overseas markets, is promoting carbon neutrality cooperation with South Australia, which produces 75% of its electricity from renewable energy.
 Governor Kim met with Premier Peter Malinauskas at the South Australian Parliament House on the 29th, along with Moon Sung-je, President of Sunmoon University, and representatives from three power companies in the province.
 At the meeting, Governor Kim stated, "I heard that one of the spiritual values of Australians is 'mateship,' and Koreans also consider 'loyalty' an important virtue in human relationships," adding, "I hope to further develop the relationship between Chungnam and South Australia, which has continued for 26 years, based on loyalty and mateship."
 He continued, mentioning his visit to the Tonsley Innovation District that morning, "As the chair of the Under2 Coalition for the Asia-Pacific region, I had the opportunity to think more deeply by directly confirming South Australia's vision to transition 100% of its power production to renewable energy by 2027."
 He also emphasized, "Chungnam is pursuing carbon neutrality with a target of 2045, five years ahead of the government, and is contemplating comprehensive energy alternatives such as clean and green hydrogen, offshore wind, and pumped-storage power," adding, "I hope that Chungnam and Australia, which are active in the Under2 Coalition, will create synergies in the international community by jointly responding to the climate crisis."
 Governor Kim then requested that South Australia send experts to the 7th Chungnam Hydrogen Energy International Forum to be held in September, and if possible, for Premier Peter Malinauskas to attend in person.
 Governor Kim concluded by saying, "Just as fine wine provides enjoyment with various flavors depending on its maturity, I hope our friendship deepens through diverse exchanges."
 Premier Peter Malinauskas stated, "South Australia was the first in the world to legislate women's suffrage in 1894," adding, "I hope South Australia, with its historical pride, will strengthen its ties with Chungnam while looking to the future." He also mentioned, "South Australia, rich in solar and wind resources, was able to transition from thermal and LNG power to renewable energy, and currently, the renewable energy usage rate is 75%," adding, "By 2027, this rate will reach 100%."
 Premier Peter Malinauskas also mentioned his experience traveling to Korea and added, "I believe there are many areas for cooperation between South Australia and Chungnam regarding hydrogen, a decarbonized future energy source." He responded positively to Governor Kim's request to participate in the hydrogen forum, saying he would actively consider it.
 South Australia, which has been a sister city with Chungnam since 1999, has a population of 1,815,485, which is less than Chungnam (2,135,628 as of March 2025), but its area is 984,321㎢, 120 times that of Chungnam (8,247.54㎢).
 The region is leading in renewable energy generation such as solar and wind power and is focusing on hydrogen production, planning to increase the current 75% renewable energy generation ratio to 100% by 2027.
 South Australia is also excelling in future growth engines in the space and aviation sectors and is fostering advanced manufacturing industries such as medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.
 Moreover, South Australia is the home of Australian wine, producing over 50% of bottled wine and over 80% of premium wine, creating added value through the sixth industrialization of grape cultivation, wine production, and tours. The South Australian Parliament operates a bicameral system, consisting of a 47-seat House of Assembly and a 22-seat Legislative Council.
 The head of the executive branch, the Premier, is the leader of the party that holds the majority in the House of Assembly, and ministers are appointed by the Premier.
 The Governor, appointed by the British monarch, acts as the monarch's representative, performing symbolic and ceremonial roles.

kwj5797@fnnews.com Kim Won-jun Reporter