South Korean Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun has agreed to discuss the construction of a gas pipeline from the Arctic Circle to southern Alaska, where the gas will be liquefied and then sent to Asia.

This decision comes after US President Donald Trump expressed his desire for building a “massive natural gas pipeline” that could benefit both countries, as stated during his address to Congress. The Minister traveled to Washington last month to support exemptions from Trump’s proposed new tariffs on goods from South Korea.

A representative from the South Korean Industry Ministry stated that the country is willing to collaborate with the United States as it is a matter of mutual interest.

Both countries see potential benefits from the pipeline. South Korea aims to diversify its energy import sources and improve energy security, while the project could generate revenue for the US Treasury. The White House Energy Dominance Council’s co-chair, Doug Burgum, acknowledges that the project holds economic benefits.

The pipeline would be approximately 800 miles long, connecting gas fields from above the Arctic Circle to the Alaskan pipeline and eventually to infrastructure for shipping LNG to South Korea. Japan would also be involved in the deal.

Although Japanese officials haven’t agreed to participate in discussions, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba believes it will serve Japan’s interests. Japan’s trade minister, Yoji Muto, is scheduled to visit Washington to work on setting exemptions from future American tariffs.

Sean Sinico

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/south-korea-japan-interested-in-us-gas-pipeline-trump-says/a-71831491?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf