SEOUL, Jan 7 (Reuters) – All turbines have been successfully installed at the 96MW Jeonnam 1 offshore wind project off the south-west coast of South Korea, with the project now entering preparations for commissioning ahead of its expected commercial operation in the first half of 2025.
Located off Shinan County, Jeonnam 1 is South Korea's first privately-led large-scale offshore wind power initiative. Siemens Gamesa completed the installation of the final turbine in December 2024, marking a significant step in the project's timeline. Construction on the wind farm began in early 2023, and turbine installation commenced in September 2024.
Jesper Krarup Holst, COP partner and head of APAC, overseeing the Jeonnam 1, 2, and 3 portfolio, praised the project team's efforts. “Completing the turbine installation before year-end demonstrates the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of everyone involved,” he said. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and SK Innovation E&S, partners in the project. “We are incredibly proud to deliver this essential step towards full-scale clean power generation,” Holst added.
The Jeonnam 1 project is expected to contribute significantly to South Korea's renewable energy future. With all turbines now in place, the focus has shifted toward the final stages of commissioning and energisation.
Ryan Colbeck, Senior Director at CIP and EPC director for Jeonnam 1, emphasized the importance of strong planning and technical expertise. “This milestone is a testament to the planning, technical know-how, and strong partnerships that have guided Jeonnam 1 from conception to reality,” Colbeck said. He added, “We are on track to deliver a world-class offshore wind asset that will benefit both the local community and Korea's efforts to combat climate change.”
The Jeonnam 1 team has worked closely with local communities and businesses to ensure development profits are shared, fostering the growth of Korea's national offshore wind industry. The project has also established contracts with local suppliers and utilizes domestic ports and facilities.
Jeonnam 1 is a joint venture led by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its fund Copenhagen Infrastructure 3, and SK Innovation E&S, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates. CIP is the exclusive offshore wind development partner for the project.
