Global offshore wind champion Orsted has given a boost to South Korea’s plans to rapidly build up a substantial wind power capacity off its coast with plans to develop projects with a potential capacity of up to 1.6GW off the coast of Incheon City.

The Danish utility earlier this year already had deployed four floating lidars off the country’s third-largest city to collect relevant data for potential wind sites.

Orsted says the projects in Incheon could provide clean energy to 1.4m South Korean households and reduce carbon emissions by almost 4m metric tons per year, making a significant contribution to President Moon Jae-in’s recently announced Green New Deal proposal to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“The prospects of contributing to South Korea's transition to renewable energy is a great inspiration for Orsted,” said Martin Neubert, chief executive of Orsted Offshore.

“With strong industrial capabilities, significant supply chain potential, and numerous sites with promising offshore wind conditions, South Korea has a fantastic starting point for becoming a leading offshore wind market.”

Korean Green New Deal

President Moon earlier this year unveiled his 43 trillion won ($39bn) 'Green New Deal' to boost the a decarbonisation agenda and reach 12GW in renewable energy by 2030 to reduce the East Asian country’s still large share of coal in its energy mix.

South Korea is seen as the next big Asian offshore wind market outside mainland China after pioneering Taiwan and Japan.

Many South Korean companies have already been working with Orsted on offshore wind projects elsewhere in Asia and in Europe, including POSCO Steel, CS Wind, LS Cable, Hyosung, Samkang M&T, Hyundai ESI and EEW Korea.

Samkang M&T and Hyundai ESI recently have completed the fabrication of the first jacket foundations for Orsted’s Greater Changhua 1 & 2a Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan.

Shallow waters

“Orsted’s projects in Incheon will support a thriving offshore wind industry in South Korea and contribute to the realization of the government's target of 12GW offshore wind capacity by 2030,” said Matthias Bausenwein, president of Orsted Asia Pacific.

“Building on our experience and unparalleled track-record in offshore wind development world-wide and in Asia Pacific, we are dedicated to engaging in long-term partnerships with the South Korean government and local stakeholders.''

Orsted added its offshore wind projects will be located more than 70km from the main parts of Incheon City and have relatively shallow water depths at the target project site to allow for a cost-effective development.

Subject to permits, off-take agreements with a Korean energy utility, and a final investment decision, the projects could be commissioned from 2026 onwards.

Wind

Orsted gives boost to South Korean offshore wind with huge development plan