South Korea takes giant leap in clean energy with 1.1GW floating wind farm approval

Mainstream Renewable Power and Ocean Winds have received the green light from the South Korean Ministry of Environment for their ambitious 1.1 gigawatt (GW) floating offshore wind farm project off the coast of Ulsan. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval for the KF Wind project marks a major step forward, allowing the developers to move ahead with construction. This approval is crucial not only for the companies but also for South Korea’s renewable energy landscape as the nation pushes to expand its clean energy capacity.

The KF Wind project, jointly owned by Ocean Winds (66.7%) and Mainstream Renewable Power (33.3%), is set to become one of the largest floating offshore wind farms globally. The project will be developed in two phases: the 375 megawatt (MW) East Blue Power phase and the 750 MW KF Wind phase. Combined, these phases will produce 4,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually, enough to power more than 1.3 million South Korean households.

EIA Approval: A Milestone for Renewable Energy

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval was secured after a thorough 12-month environmental monitoring campaign that included extensive consultations with local communities, fisheries, and other stakeholders. This rigorous process ensures that the project aligns with South Korea’s high environmental standards. According to Austin Park, the Project Director for KF Wind, the project teams, supported by Mainstream Renewable Power and Ocean Winds, are committed to adhering to the highest standards of coexistence with local communities and sea users, while also contributing to South Korea’s energy transition.

The EIA covers all aspects of the two-phase project, including the installation of 75 turbines on floating foundations, two bottom-fixed offshore substations, three 80-kilometer submarine export cables, an onshore substation, and a 4.5-kilometer high-voltage line connecting to the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)’s Shinonsan onshore substation. These elements highlight the technical sophistication of the project, showcasing its capacity to handle significant renewable energy production and integration into the national grid.

Impact on South Korea’s Clean Energy Goals

The KF Wind project represents a strategic advancement for South Korea as it aims to significantly increase its offshore wind capacity to 12 GW by 2030. The current share of offshore wind in South Korea’s energy mix is minimal, making this project a cornerstone in the country’s efforts to shift away from fossil fuels. By focusing on renewable energy, South Korea is not only working towards meeting its climate targets but is also setting the stage for a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy future.

Both Mainstream Renewable Power and Ocean Winds bring extensive expertise to the table. Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE, has a track record of developing offshore wind farms globally. Meanwhile, Mainstream Renewable Power, with its focus on high-growth markets like Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America, leverages its renewable energy experience to drive innovation and development. The companies have emphasized their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement throughout the project development phase, ensuring that the KF Wind project benefits both the local ecosystem and the broader energy transition goals of South Korea.

Expert Opinion: Future of Floating Wind Technology

Industry experts view the KF Wind project as a benchmark for future floating wind developments globally. Given the technical challenges of installing floating foundations and deep-water substations, the project’s success could open the door for more floating offshore wind farms, especially in regions with deep coastal waters where traditional bottom-fixed installations are not feasible. Experts believe that this project could serve as a model for other countries looking to integrate large-scale renewable energy projects without compromising environmental and community standards.

A Step Towards Sustainable Energy Independence

The KF Wind project highlights the growing trend toward sustainable energy independence. By harnessing the strong offshore wind resources available off the coast of Ulsan, South Korea is well-positioned to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. The project’s contribution to South Korea’s renewable energy targets is also expected to attract further investments in green technologies, potentially accelerating the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

As construction moves closer, Mainstream Renewable Power and Ocean Winds are set to play a pivotal role in shaping South Korea’s renewable energy landscape. The project is not just a technological achievement but also a testament to the power of international collaboration in driving forward the global energy transition.