Rep. Jung calls stable power grid 'core security issue,' urges local energy self-sufficiency

People Power Party lawmaker Jung Hee-yong hosted the National Assembly Forum on New Energy Technology and Business to discuss energy supply measures and related issues, his office announced Thursday.

The forum, held Wednesday at the National Assembly, focused on strategies to address a rapidly shifting energy landscape driven by the growth of advanced national industries such as AI and semiconductors, as well as the expansion of renewable energy. Topics included timely power supply for strategic industries, the promotion of local energy production and consumption, and policy improvements to support new energy businesses.

The event drew about 100 participants, including ruling and opposition party lawmakers, public institution officials and academics, and ran for approximately two hours.

Expert presentations centered on measures to address rising power demand and the development of innovative companies.

Baek Cheol-woo, a professor at Duksung Women's University, presented on "The Role of Strategic Industries in Supporting National Advanced Strategic Industries and Innovation Challenges." The presentation outlined plans to expand the power grid in response to growing electricity demand from advanced industries and proposed frameworks for public-private cooperation.

Lee Jong-min, chief executive of Korea Electric Power Corporation's technology holding company, spoke on "Promoting Local Energy Production and Consumption and Fostering Global Unicorn and New Energy Businesses." He proposed regulatory and commercialization measures to energize regional energy markets and nurture innovative companies.

A panel discussion followed, with participants exchanging views on policy and regulatory improvements to support advanced national industries and regional energy development, as well as ways to build a new energy business ecosystem.

"Securing a stable power grid amid the rapid growth of advanced industries such as AI is a core security challenge directly tied to national competitiveness," Jung said. "We must go beyond simple supply — building a foundation for local energy production and consumption, and innovating toward a future-oriented power system that integrates energy storage systems and AI."