Labor Minister Re-announces Existing GEPACE Arrangement

Australia and the Republic of Korea have reinforced their energy partnership through a joint statement on energy resource security, emphasizing a shared commitment to stable supply chains and rules-based trade in the Indo-Pacific region.

The agreement, highlighted during a visit to Seoul by Australian officials on April 30, 2026, focuses on mitigating the risks associated with energy disruptions. Both nations expressed deep concern over the current situation in the Middle East and its potential consequences for regional energy and resource stability.

Energy Resource Security and Trade

As part of the joint statement, Australia reaffirmed its commitment to open markets and the use of rules-based trade to counter unjustified import and export restrictions. The two countries have established a formal mechanism to notify one another of potential trade disruptions, aiming to ensure a more resilient flow of critical energy resources.

The cooperation extends beyond bilateral trade, with both governments highlighting the importance of maintaining energy resource supplies to Pacific island countries to support broader regional stability.

The Green Economy Partnership

This recent focus on resource security complements an existing framework known as the Green Economy Partnership Arrangement on Climate and Energy (GEPACE). Originally signed on December 20, 2024, by Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and his Korean counterpart, Minister Ahn Dukgeun, GEPACE serves as the foundation for long-term clean energy collaboration.

The GEPACE framework is designed to help both nations reach net zero emissions by 2050. According to the arrangement, the two countries are targeting cooperation in several key areas:

• Renewable hydrogen production and supply chains
• Clean energy technologies
• Green metals
• Carbon sequestration

The partnership seeks to diversify clean energy supply chains, reducing reliance on single-source providers and enhancing the economic transition toward sustainable energy industries.

Strategic Context

The Republic of Korea and Australia operate as Comprehensive Strategic Partners. The recent diplomatic activities in Seoul, including the press conference held by Foreign Minister Penny Wong on April 30, 2026, underscore a strategic effort to align energy security with broader geopolitical goals in the Indo-Pacific.

The coordination between the two nations comes at a time of heightened volatility in global energy markets, particularly those influenced by conflicts in the Middle East. By combining Australia’s vast natural resource base with South Korea’s industrial and technological capabilities, the two countries aim to create a more stable energy corridor.