North Korean electric power specialists departed for Moscow to take part in an energy forum on Monday, likely seeking Russian know-how to tackle the country’s chronic electricity shortages.

The delegation, led by Electric Power Industry Minister Kim Yu Il, is set to attend the 8th Russian Energy Week (REW) International Forum scheduled for Oct. 15-17, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Tuesday.

The forum servesas a platform for energy specialists to exchange opinions on the use of natural resources such as coal, oil and gas, as well as nuclear and renewable energy. Russian President Vladimir Putin has regularly