Denmark’s green alliance with South Korea pays off

From now on Danish companies can apply to participate in a South Korean research programme for green technology. By 2012 the programme will have a value of DKK 12 billion. The agreement was reached during today’s visit to South Korea by the Minister for Climate and Energy, Lykke Friis.

The green alliance between Denmark and South Korea was announced by the Danish Prime Minister and the President of South Korea on May 11^th and12^th, 2011. The Climate and Energy Minister visited Seoul from June 18^th to 20^th and the first concrete results of the two countries' innovative alliances are beginning to show. South Korea has a very ambitious research and development programme for green technologies, and as a result of this visit, Danish companies and research institutions are being invited to participate in the initiative. If this is approached and managed correctly, it will provide great opportunities for Danish business and Danish universities.

In addition to that, Lykke Friis and her South Korean colleague, Choi Joong-Kyung, Minister for the Knowledge-based Economy, have discussed a number of options for increased cooperation between Denmark and South Korea with regard to smart grids and energy efficiency.

The green alliance between Denmark and South Korea will be followed up by the government's new green, global growth project, Global Green Growth Forum (3GF). This initiative will bring together government officials, companies and university representatives. The purpose is to debate the barriers to green growth and the spread of green technologies.  

- An exchange of ideas always results in each side coming away with at least two ideas. Knowledge and ideas know no boundaries. That is why we are so delighted that the research funds, which prove Korea's high level of commitment, can be used by Danish companies. Danish and Korean enterprises should cooperate in order to come up with new ideas and develop new, innovative solutions, says Jørgen Madsen Clausen, Chairman of the Board at Danfoss.       

- It is gratifying that we are already able to reap the rewards of the alliance between Denmark and South Korea. The country has recently allocated two percent of its GDP to green reorganisation and they have picked Denmark as one of their closest partners. The very ambitious South Korean research and development programme is a clear indication that South Korea is backing up its proposals. I am certain that this presents great opportunities for Danish companies and universities as long as we approach it correctly. I will now contact interested Danish companies to ensure that these opportunities are exploited, says Lykke Friis, Minister for Energy and Climate.