By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Jang Se-il, mayor of Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, discussed offshore wind power project cooperation with French Ambassador to Kolrea Philippe Bertoux at the county government office on Feb. 4.

According to the county, the meeting was organized to explore ways to create synergy between the two sides in the field of renewable energy.

"We have a vision to leap to the center of renewable energy by utilizing the natural conditions of sunlight and wind," said Mayor Jang. "We look forward to realizing carbon neutrality, improving the income of civilians, and revitalizing the local economy through the offshore wind power project."

Mayor Jang emphasized that cooperation with France's advanced offshore wind technology will be of great significance.

"Next year marks the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France, and we are pleased to discuss the forward-looking topic of decarbonization and the promotion of a low-carbon economy," said Ambassador Philippe Bertoux.

"In particular, the fact that EDF Renewables (EDFR), a French state-owned company, is working with Yeonggwang-gun to implement a concrete offshore wind project is a symbolic example of bilateral cooperation,"

Ambassador Philippe Bertoux continued to say, "We hope that this project will become a model of cooperation that goes beyond the economic scale and brings tangible benefits to the people of Yeonggwang-gun county."

The two countries plan to actively cooperate to realize the goal of carbon neutrality through sharing renewable energy technologies and expanding investment.