- Artificial intelligence solutions and renewable energy integration are driving confidence for the next phase of the energy transition in South Korea, ABB research shows
- Nearly one in three organizations identify public-private partnerships and cross-regional cooperation as key for a low carbon energy future
- 68 percent of organizations plan to allocate over 10 percent of CAPEX toward energy transition initiatives over the next five years
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are pivotal to enabling the energy transition in South Korea, according to 65 percent of respondents to the Asia Pacific Energy Transition Readiness Index 2025 – an industry research survey conducted by ABB’s Energy Industries division. Digitalization tops investment priorities at 43 percent, followed by automation (37 percent) and electrification (21 percent), underscoring the growing momentum for AI and automation solutions to enable a low carbon future.
The research also reveals that South Korea’s focus on digitalization is ahead of the regional average of 38 percent, highlighting the country’s focus in leveraging technology to accelerate decarbonization and support operational efficiency.
The Asia Pacific Energy Transition Readiness Index 2025 is based on a survey of over 4,000 business leaders responsible for automation, electrification, digitalization and sustainability strategies across 10 industries and 12 geographical markets, including South Korea. It focuses on energy-intensive industries including chemicals, data centers, energy and power generation, manufacturing, oil and gas and transportation.
The results indicate that South Korea is ready to embrace technology, with many organizations realizing the transformative potential of digital twin technologies, predictive analytics, and compliance monitoring in reducing downtime, optimizing efficiency and enhancing project bankability, making energy investments more robust and future-ready.
“South Korea’s energy transition is entering a decisive phase,” said Anders Maltesen, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division, Asia. “AI-powered energy management and smart grid investments are no longer optional. They are strategic levers for cost efficiency, resilience and competitiveness. The real impact will come from execution – aligning with local policy, building strong partnerships, and embedding sustainability into daily operations to drive measurable progress.”
As technology becomes central to energy operations, the need for robust cyber security grows. With more connected systems and data-driven tools, protecting operational technology (OT) is critical. The research reveals that 92 percent of organizations report being prepared, highlighting a strong awareness that resilience and trust depend on securing the digital backbone of the energy transition.
The findings also show that energy leaders are looking to accelerate investments – with 68 percent of organizations planning to allocate over 10 percent of CAPEX toward energy transition initiatives over the next five years. Nearly a third (29 percent) of respondents identify public–private partnerships as a key opportunity, while 60 percent highlight the importance of cross-regional government cooperation on smart grid infrastructure to maintain momentum.
Energy leaders in South Korea also recognize that renewable energy integration and portfolio diversification are just as critical as optimizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure, according to the ABB research. Currently 18 percent of organizations source more than half of their energy from renewables, while 74 percent expect renewable consumption to rise by over 20 percent within five years.
Solar is poised to lead energy transition in South Korea with 65 percent of respondents citing they are already adopting it generation. Other key emerging sources including green hydrogen (46 percent) and wind (42 percent) are also gaining traction in line with1 the government’s plan to quadruple renewable capacity to 121.9 GW by 20381. This diversification strategy will strengthen the country’s ability to balance grid reliability, affordability and sustainability for continued momentum toward clean energy goals.
Conducted between May and June 2025, the research demonstrates Asia Pacific’s strong commitment to the energy transition. Unlocking the region’s full potential will require stronger alignment between investment priorities and transition demands; faster adoption of key technologies; and deeper stakeholder engagement. Full report available here.
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