According to South Korean sustainable development specialist Tae Yong Jung, “Renewable energy has increased energy independence across the world and encouraged a shift away from fossil fuels.” Jung emphasised the effects of renewable energy on the world scene in his discussion at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which was titled “A Global Perspective on Sustainable Energy.” SIBF, which will be held from November 6–17 at Expo Centre Sharjah, offers a forum for talking about important world concerns, such as the switch to sustainable energy sources.
Geography and Culture’s Effect on the Adoption of Renewable Energy
Professor Jung of Yonsei University in South Korea offered insights into the diverse approaches to renewable energy in other countries during a session hosted by TV host Nadia Swan. He described how each nation’s energy policies and attitudes towards environmental sustainability are shaped by a variety of factors, including location, economic growth, technical advancements, and cultural perspectives.
Despite its reliance on oil, the UAE’s role in renewable energy
Jung, a former economist at the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, commended the UAE’s dedication to renewable energy in spite of its economy’s reliance on oil. He praised the UAE leadership for preparing for a sustainable future after considering his experience with the Masdar City construction in Abu Dhabi. Jung emphasised the short history of fossil fuels in relation to the Earth’s timescale and suggested using alternative energy to mitigate major climate catastrophes like wildfires and floods.
Korea’s Strategy for Technology Exchange and Energy Self-Sufficiency
In his discussion of South Korea’s energy policies, Jung pointed out that the country imports around 90% of its energy needs. He emphasised the country’s collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating a win-win technology and resource exchange, in which Korea imports natural gas and backs the UAE’s Barakah nuclear project. In order to improve energy resilience, South Korea has concentrated on developing sectors like electronics and battery manufacture despite its dearth of natural resources.
Weather-Related Limitations on the Use of Renewable Energy
Jung noted the limitations of renewable energy, despite the fact that it is essential to reaching global sustainability goals. For instance, solar energy is highly dependent on the weather; its output is lower in the winter, during rainy seasons, and after sunset. Although renewable energy sources are essential for achieving net-zero goals by 2050, Jung stressed that they are unable to completely satisfy growing energy demands in a technologically advanced society where gadgets like cell phones together use a substantial amount of electricity.
Artificial Intelligence’s Energy Requirements and the Potential for Future Hydrogen
Speaking on the quick development of artificial intelligence (AI), Jung emphasised that since AI “cannot think without electricity,” it requires constant power. He was upbeat about hydrogen as a new energy source, particularly for natural gas-rich nations like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, who can use technology to separate hydrogen from their natural gas deposits.
Renewable Energy Growth in the Global South
In the global south, Jung also saw a bright future for renewable energy, with big economies like India predicted to propel the industry’s expansion. His observations coincide with the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024, which is commemorating Morocco as the Guest of Honour and has over 2,520 publishers from 112 countries until November 17. With the theme “It Starts with a Book,” the festival offers 1,357 activities for audiences of all ages that promote discussion on important topics, such as renewable energy.
