Presentation slide from Sungjin Oh

(Presentation Source: Sungjin Oh, Picture Source: reporter)

On June 16, 2025, the KDI School of Public Policy and Management welcomed Mr. Oh Sung-jin, energy efficiency analyst at the International Energy Agency (IEA), for a guest lecture in the “Global Energy Policy” cours e. A proud alumnus of the KDI School’s GMP program, Mr. Oh shared critical insights from his professional journey and the evolving landscape of global energy policy. Having served for years at Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy before joining the IEA, Mr. Oh reflected on Korea’s energy transition milestones while highlighting the IEA’s evolving mission from its origins in the oil crisis of the 1970s to its present-day commitment to clean energy transitions, energy security, and inclusive development.

A lecture scene

(Source: reporter)

Mr. Oh presented a comprehensive overview of the IEA’s development—from its founding in response to the 1973 oil crisis to its modern role in shaping global decarbonization strategies. He emphasized the agency's publication of flagship reports, such as the World Energy Outlook and Net Zero by 2050, with updates responding to recent global disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine war. He stressed that the IEA today operates with a keen awareness of national circumstances. For example, Korea’s high energy import dependency fundamentally shapes its decarbonization strategies differently from countries like Germany or the United States.

A major focus of the lecture was the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario. Mr. Oh discussed key targets, including tripling renewable capacity by 2030, doubling energy efficiency improvements, cutting methane emissions by 55%, and electrifying 50% of energy consumption by 2050. He underscored the differentiated expectations between advanced and developing economies, noting that while advanced economies must reduce CO₂emissions by 80% by 2035, emerging economies are expected to reduce theirs by 60%, acknowledging distinct developmental realities.

Questions from students before the lecture 

(Source: BUICO, Tyronne James Jimenez / CA of Global Energy Policy)

Several student questions focused on hydrogen energy. Mr. Oh candidly admitted that while the IEA has comprehensive publications on the subject, the development of hydrogen technology remains uneven across countries. He noted that early optimism about hydrogen’s rollout might have been overly ambitious but emphasized ongoing growth in industrial and policy interest. In response to a question about AI’s growing energy demand, Mr. Oh referenced the IEA’s recent initiatives, including a flagship report on AI and energy. He acknowledged that while AI-driven data infrastructure consumes significant electricity, AI applications also offer powerful tools for optimizing energy efficiency and system operations. Regulatory frameworks and data interoperability will be critical to ensure a net benefit.

Responding to student concerns from developing country contexts, Mr. Oh emphasized the IEA’s commitment to equity in energy transition. He cited programs such as the Clean Energy Transitions Programme and energy efficiency training weeks in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. He also acknowledged that energy poverty and infrastructure limitations make standard efficiency policies harder to apply in many nations, reinforcing the importance of tailored strategies and international cooperation.

Advanced questions regarding fossil fuel subsidies and the IEA’s “price gap” methodology were raised, particularly concerning production subsidies and carbon pricing. Mr. Oh acknowledged the complexity and emphasized that while the IEA collaborates with the OECD on subsidy tracking, policy coordination remains a work in progress. Nonetheless, he stressed that increasing investment in energy efficiency and clean energy is outpacing the persistence of fossil fuel subsidies in many regions.

Many students inquired about internships and careers at the IEA. Mr. Oh provided an insider’s perspective   into the competitive selection process, noting that applicants must typically hold at least a master’s degree, with experience in public policy or energy-related fields being especially valued. He encouraged students with strong analytical and data skills to apply, emphasizing that the IEA is a policy-driven organization, not a traditional research institute.

Entrance of the IEA building in Paris, France 

(Source: https://www.iea.org/about/plan-your-trip)

Mr. Oh concluded his lecture by emphasizing the role of consumers in driving energy transitions. He shared a compelling chart showing that low-carbon technology adoption by individuals—such as using electric vehicles or solar water heaters—plays a more significant role than often assumed. As a returning alumnus, Mr. Oh’s lecture served not only as a technical briefing but also as a personal testament to the influence of the KDI School in shaping leaders in global policy institutions. We’d like to thank him again for making the time to share his knowledge and insights with us.