South Korea Targets 25 GW of Offshore Wind Zones by 2031

South Korea is changing its approach to offshore wind development, with the government taking responsibility for selecting suitable sites instead of individual developers. The country is aiming to establish 25 GW of preliminary development zones by 2031.

The new planned-siting system was approved by South Korea’s first Offshore Wind Power Committee on September 2. Under the framework, authorities will identify appropriate locations based on factors including wind resources, environmental conditions, fisheries, maritime traffic and military considerations. The government will then work to secure local support before choosing developers.

Officials expect the planned 25 GW of preliminary zones to support approximately 20 GW of additional offshore wind capacity. Government forecasts anticipate South Korea’s total offshore wind capacity reaching 3.1 GW by 2030, before increasing to 25 GW in 2035 and 45 GW by 2040.

The first preliminary development zone is expected to be designated by the end of this year. Projects launched through the new system could begin operating from 2033.

Once developers have been chosen, the government also plans to coordinate up to 42 separate permitting processes, rather than requiring individual companies to handle each procedure themselves.