The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has released new reports indicating that the construction of offshore wind farms in South Korea could generate over 770,000 job opportunities. This is part of South Korea's ambitious goal to install 14.3GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. Achieving this target could inject 87 trillion won (€0.06 trillion) into the economy, according to one of the reports.
The development of offshore wind is expected to boost local economies, particularly in coastal cities like Incheon, Gunsan, and Mokpo. However, progress has been slow, with only 150MW of the target achieved so far, mainly due to lengthy permitting processes that can take up to a decade.
Rebecca Williams, GWEC's global head of offshore wind, emphasized the potential benefits: “Offshore wind is a good news story for South Korea. Our new report shows that 14.3GW of offshore wind can create a huge energy and economic opportunity, revitalizing coastal communities across the country, and playing a role in halting post-industrial decline.”
To realize these benefits, GWEC recommends streamlining permitting processes, including the urgent passage and implementation of the Offshore Wind Power Promotion Act. This legislation is expected to facilitate smoother and faster deployment of offshore wind projects.
The reports serve as a call to action for South Korean policymakers to address critical issues such as permitting and to expedite the nation's energy transition. They offer guidance on building local community support and engaging with the fisheries industry. Successful international practices are highlighted, along with recommendations for enhancing cooperation with local stakeholders.
GWEC suggests that both local and national governments should develop a comprehensive plan to maximize the benefits of offshore wind. This includes early stakeholder engagement and empowering the local workforce, as well as exploring the expansion of Free Economic Zones and creating standardized community engagement guidelines.
A separate report, “Exploring Coexistence Opportunities for Offshore Wind and Fisheries in South Korea,” outlines steps to enable offshore wind projects to coexist with fishing activities, ensuring mutual benefits for both industries.
