Mt. Stonegate at Korea’s Energy Superweek: APAC Sourcing Forum & Clean Energy Ministerial

Busan set the stage for Korea’s Energy Superweek 2025, a rare moment where multiple flagships events – the APAC Sourcing Forum, the 16^th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16), the APEC Energy Ministerial, and the World Climate Industry Expo – all unfolded consecutively. The city became a global meeting point for corporate leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, united by a common goal: advancing Asia’s clean energy transition.

As an event sponsor of APAC Sourcing Forum, Mt. Stonegate played a central role in the discussion. Our Director of North Asia and Global EACs Markets, Dongqi Yang, delivered a well-received presentation that captured the urgency and opportunity for renewable energy procurement in Korea and across Asia.

APAC Sourcing Forum: Bridging Corporate Demand and Policy Action

The forum itself underscored the growing demand for credible renewable energy sourcing across the Asia-Pacific. With RE100 companies and multinational corporations consuming a significant share of electricity in markets like Korea, the spotlight was on procurement tools that can immediately help bridge the gap. I-RECs, as we highlighted, stand out for their accessibility and international recognition, especially in markets where other instruments remain underdeveloped or difficult to access.

Mt. Stonegate’s Presentation

In her presentation, Dongqi introduced the role of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) as a vital instrument for companies aiming to credibly report renewable electricity use. She explained how I-RECs, already operational in more than 60 countries, provide an internationally recognized framework that is accepted by global initiatives such as RE100 and CDP.

The presentation went on to compare the diverse landscape across Asia. Where she argued that I-RECs played a big part in the filling the gap in the renewable procurement mechanism, with immediate practical role offering corporate credible, low barrier tool to begin or accelerate their clean energy journey.

Beyond these comparisons, she emphasized that I-RECs are not just about compliance—they can form the backbone of a company’s broader decarbonization roadmap. By embedding I-RECs into their strategies, corporates can strengthen reporting transparency, demonstrate progress to stakeholders, and gain valuable flexibility as other instruments mature. This message resonated strongly with Forum participants, many of whom are navigating fragmented markets and seeking clear, actionable solutions.

Clean Energy Ministerial: From Corporate Tools to System-Level Change

While the Forum spotlighted corporate strategies, the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16) zoomed out to the system level. Ministers, CEOs, and energy leaders examined the critical enablers of a sustainable energy future. A recurring theme was the need for grid modernization—from expanding transmission networks to adding flexibility that allows for higher renewable penetration.

Another key discussion was the investment gap. Participants stressed that while procurement tools like I-RECs and PPAs can unlock demand, without sufficient capital directed toward renewable projects and infrastructure, the region risks falling behind its decarbonization goals. Future fuels, e-mobility, and resilient supply chains also featured prominently, underscoring the need for holistic, cross-sectoral approaches.

Looking Ahead: The Rise of 24/7 Clean Energy

Both events also touched on the growing momentum around 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy (CFE). Although most Asian markets are not yet technically ready to support hourly matching of electricity consumption with clean power, the direction is clear. Corporates are increasingly expressing interest in aligning consumption with real-time renewable generation, and policymakers are beginning to consider the regulatory and market changes needed to make this possible. For Asia, achieving 24/7 CFE will require both technological innovation and policy alignment, but the early conversations in Busan suggest this ambition is firmly on the horizon.

Conclusion

Korea’s Energy Superweek was more than a collection of conferences—it was a demonstration of how corporate action and government leadership must move in parallel. At the APAC Sourcing Forum, Mt. Stonegate and Dongqi Yang highlighted the immediate solutions available to corporates through I-RECs. At CEM16, leaders charted the system-wide investments necessary for long-term decarbonization. Together, these events reinforced a simple truth: closing Asia’s renewable energy gap requires both innovative market tools and large-scale infrastructure transformation. Mt. Stonegate is proud to stand at the intersection of these two efforts.