World Energy Outlook 2006. International Energy Agency’s (IEA).

Energy Policies of IEA Countries. International Energy Agency’s (IEA), 2006 Review.

Korea is the world’s 10th largest energy consumer, and has virtually no domestic energy sources of its own. It imports 97% of its energy sources, and is the 6th largest oil importer in the world. To reduce its heavy energy dependency on foreign fossil-fuels, the Republic of Korea Government (ROKG) has launched a series of plans to promote the development and use of new and renewable energies (NRE). The Korean industry has positively responded to the government initiatives by investing in and building more and more power plants using such alternative fuels. Though the Korean Government is making focused investments to address the lack of core technologies and experience in NRE, the Korean power plant industry is constantly seeking imports of advanced technologies, providing ample business opportunities for U.S. NRE companies with innovative technologies.

This study presents a synthesis of 17 country studies on environmental goods and services (EG&S) commissioned by the OECD, UNCTAD and the UNDP. The countries examined are Brazil, Chile, China, Cuba, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Thailand and Vietnam. Its aim is to identify determinants of demand for EG&S; to show common themes and experiences in the EG&S markets of different countries; and to draw attention to key trade, environment and development policy linkages. It also seeks to contribute to the exchange of expertise and experience in the area of trade and environment so that liberalisation of trade in EG&S can benefit all countries, developing and developed alike.

The report focuses on the Environmental Industry (EI) in four selected countries of the Asia-Pacific Region. The countries selected are: China, India, Indonesia and Korea, representing different stages of EI development.