By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) showcased its ultra-gap water management technology and research and development (R&D) capabilities to a delegation of ambassadors from the European Union (EU) and its four member states who visited its headquarters and research center in Daejeon on May 13, and discussed ways to expand international cooperation.

The delegation was led by EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez and ambassadors from four EU member states - Greece, Belgium, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

The delegation toured the advanced water management system utilizing digital twins and satellite technology to see the K-water's cutting-edge water management technology.

Water management is becoming increasingly important in Europe as the uncertainty of water-related weather events due to climate change increases. In 2022, the south-central region experienced the worst drought in 500 years, and in 2024, six months' amount of precipitation fell in a single day in the Middle East.

Therefore, the European Union is strengthening research and development in the field of climate and environment, including water, and expanding international collaborative research in conjunction with Horizon Europe, a policy research project to restore science and technology power.

Korea will participate as an associate member of Horizon Europe from this year. Korea Water Resources Corporation is also actively promoting international research collaboration activities to contribute to the response to the global climate crisis and the resolution of water issues.

Through the delegation's visit, Korea Water Resources Corporation plans to go beyond simple research exchanges and connect with local demonstration and commercialization of the technology to lay the foundation for export.

The delegation observed demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, including a digital twin-based water disaster prediction and response system, flood and drought analysis technology using satellite data, and a radar system based on direct satellite reception, and noted the applicability of the technologies to ensure water security in the era of climate crisis.

In particular, plans to participate in the 'Horizon Europe' space R&D program, which Korea Water Resources Corporation is promoting with 17 organizations from eight European countries, including the German Aerospace Agency (DLR), were shared and practical cooperation plans for utilizing satellites dedicated to water resources were discussed.

“I am impressed by the water management capabilities that K-water has accumulated over half a century and the potential of advanced water management technologies,” said EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez. ”We will support joint research and cooperation to solve global water problems.”

“In an era where technological hegemony determines national competitiveness, developing super-gap water management technology capabilities will be key to national competitiveness,” said Yun Seog-dae, CEO of Korea Water Resources Corporation.

Yun added, ”We will strengthen our strategic network with like-minded EU countries to secure leadership in the water market, and do our best to ensure that our research collaboration with Horizon Europe will lead to the entry of the domestic water industry into Europe and new growth engines in the future.”