Energy transition in Germany and South Korea: Leopoldina and the Korean Academy of Science and Technology publish recommendations

South Korea and Germany aim to transition to a climate neutral energy system. To do so, both countries must tackle scientific and technological challenges. At a joint symposium of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, experts discussed key topics relating to the energy transition. The joint paper summarising the findings, published today and titled “Navigating the Energy Transition in Korea and Germany”, examines scientific and technological challenges in the areas of solar technologies, hydrogen, batteries, grid management, and future energy sources, and includes recommendations for the energy transition in South Korea and Germany.

The joint paper from KAST and Leopoldina details the research and development challenges linked to the energy transition. For example, while solar technologies have the lowest energy production costs, current solar cells are approaching their efficiency limit. The paper thus recommends, among other things, more funding for innovations leading to the next generation of photovoltaic technology. Hydrogen technologies are a major source of hope in sectors that are hard to electrify. However, innovations for more efficient, green hydrogen production as well as for hydrogen transport are needed.

Regarding battery technologies, the paper addresses issues such as the major increase in demand for raw materials for battery production, seasonal variations in renewable energy supply, and the associated question of storage facilities. The paper recommends improving both battery recycling and further developing the seasonal storage of renewable energy. The paper also recommends using AI to manage the discrepancy between the need for and availability of renewable energies. The energy market should also be run in a more flexible way in order to react to fluctuations in supply and demand. With respect to future energy sources, the paper concludes that fusion energy and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could play a role in long-term energy supply, but this entails many challenges, such as high research and investment costs, long development cycles, and safety issues.

On the whole, the paper advocates a long-term funding model for research and development, an intensification of scientific exchange – particularly among young researchers – and the development of targeted training programmes to support skilled workers in the energy sector. Specific cooperation opportunities and priorities for bilateral research projects are also identified.

The joint paper “Navigating the Energy Transition in Korea and Germany” can be read on the Leopoldina website: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/kast-leopoldina

KAST is one of Leopoldina’s strategic partner academies in Asia. Regular joint symposiums are held on the basis of a cooperation agreement in existence since 2012. The eighth symposium was held by KAST and Leopoldina on 14 and 15 January 2025 in Seoul/South Korea under the heading “Perspectives on Energy Transition”. The scientific coordinators were Professor Dr Wolfgang Marquardt for Leopoldina and Professor Dr Nam-Gyu Park for KAST. 

The Leopoldina on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/leopoldina.org 

The Leopoldina on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalakademieleopoldina

The Leopoldina on X: https://www.twitter.com/leopoldina 

About the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
As the German National Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina provides independent science-based policy advice on matters relevant to society. To this end, the Academy develops interdisciplinary statements based on scientific findings. In these publications, options for action are outlined; making decisions, however, is the responsibility of democratically legitimized politicians. The experts who prepare the statements work in a voluntary and unbiased manner. The Leopoldina represents the German scientific community in the international academy dialogue. This includes advising the annual summits of Heads of State and Government of the G7 and G20 countries. With around 1,700 members from more than 30 countries, the Leopoldina combines expertise from almost all research areas. Founded in 1652, it was appointed the National Academy of Sciences of Germany in 2008. The Leopoldina is committed to the common good.