Energy Security and Critical Mineral Supply Chains: Sustainable Global Strategies Proposed by President Lee Jae-myung in the G7 Expanded Meeting Speech

Introduction: The Path Korea Should Take in the Era of Energy Transition

In June 2025, the G7 expanded summit was held in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. During this gathering, where leaders of major countries focused on the theme of "the future of energy security," discussions revolved around strategies and values that will shape the next 100 years of humanity, moving beyond mere technology or economic agreements. At the center of this dialogue, President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea captured the world's attention with the following declaration: "The Republic of Korea will not be a country that passively responds to uncertainties in energy and resources, but will become a leading nation in designing and executing the future." This declaration marked the beginning of a new global strategy encompassing technology, cooperation, and sustainability, bridging the gap between developed and developing nations. The world is facing complex crises due to the spread of AI technology, the popularization of electric vehicles, and deepening geopolitical conflicts, with key issues of "energy security" and "critical mineral supply chains" at the intersection of these changes.

Main Topic: Strategies that Provide Guidance Amidst Chaos

The modern energy supply chain is currently facing a significant test. The war in Ukraine has fundamentally shaken Europe's energy structure, while conflicts in the Middle East have destabilized international oil prices. Natural disasters caused by the climate crisis threaten power infrastructure, and countries' decarbonization policies are rapidly dismantling the existing fossil fuel-centric energy order. In particular, the spread of electric vehicles and renewable energy is sharply increasing the demand for key minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths, and the fact that these resources are concentrated in certain countries or regions heightens the vulnerability of global supply chains. Resources have now become not just simple imports, but a core pillar of national security and international order.

President Lee Jae-myung's Proposal: Three Major Sustainable Strategies

President Lee Jae-myung presented a new path for South Korea through the three major strategies proposed in the context of these complex crises. The core of this approach is not 'short-term response' but 'structural transition' and 'practical actions based on solidarity.' ① Establishing an 'Energy Highway' – The transnational renewable energy interconnection network known as the 'Energy Highway' is not just about expanding transmission networks it is a vision for constructing a transnational energy interconnection network based on high-voltage direct current (HVDC). This strategy aims to overcome the limitations of renewable energy sources, which have significant regional variations, such as solar and wind power, and to maximize the efficiency of energy production and distribution by integrating smart grids, AI-based distribution systems, and high-performance storage technologies. This system provides developing countries with access to renewable energy infrastructure, presenting a complex vision that seeks to address both the realization of climate justice and the resolution of development gaps simultaneously. ② Stabilizing critical mineral supply chains – A comprehensive approach and sustainable partnership. South Korea, as the chair country of the Critical Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), is proposing a new direction for securing minerals. President Lee emphasized the necessity of establishing a 'comprehensive supply chain' that connects exploration, mining, processing, and recycling. He urged the transformation of cooperation with resource-rich countries from a simple transactional level to a sustainable development partnership that combines technology transfer, environmental protection, and regional economic revitalization. This serves as a new model for international cooperation that mitigates the geopolitical risks of resources while enhancing the self-reliance of developing countries. ③ Protecting digital energy infrastructure – Cybersecurity and international cooperation. Digitalized energy systems offer efficiency and flexibility but are equally exposed to new instabilities posed by cyber threats. Smart grids, automated facilities, and digital trading systems can all be targets of attacks. President Lee recognized this as part of 'international security' and emphasized the importance of real-time threat information sharing, building a joint defense system, and securing digital sovereignty. This proposal extends beyond energy security to proactively establish a peaceful order in cyberspace.

Transition to a technology-based resource power and the expansion of multilateral diplomacy

Korea is overcoming the limitations of a resource-poor country with technology. K-batteries, K-power grids, recycling technologies, and an ESG-based private ecosystem are becoming the cornerstones that transform Korea into a 'technology-based resource powerhouse.' President Lee Jae-myung is expanding this national capability into a diplomatic strategy, establishing Korea as a subject of practice and coordination within various multilateral frameworks such as MSP, APEC, and IPEF. This is a diplomatic strategy based on long-term trust and responsible leadership rather than short-term gains.

Conclusion: A Declaration Moving Forward in Solidarity Beyond Crisis

Now, energy security is not just a matter of power supply it is a matter of survival and justice. The supply chain of critical minerals also goes beyond the foundation of industry and serves as a basis for human rights, the environment, and the lives of future generations. President Lee Jae-myung's vision presents a model of new leadership in the midst of these complex crises. It includes the restructuring of supply chains that transcend structural crises, digital security that connects technology and peace, and diplomatic solidarity that integrates climate justice and the resolution of development gaps. All of these proposals are not merely declarations but are based on the will to execute them. Now, what is important is that this vision is materialized into policies and realized through international cooperation. The journey towards energy justice, industrial transformation, and diplomatic solidarity has already begun, and South Korea, at the center of this, will no longer follow but will lead. South Korea is now a country that does not just follow paths but creates them. And the map of that future will be drawn by our own hands.