Ministry of Environment Completes Environmental Impact Assessment Review
Annual Capacity of 4,000 GWh for 1.3 Million Households
Korea Floating Wind (KFWind) has completed consultations with the Ministry of Environment regarding the environmental impact assessment for its 1,125 GW floating offshore wind farm development project underway off the coast of Ulsan.
KFWind is developing the KFW1·2 and East Blue Power (EBP) floating offshore wind farms, with a combined capacity of approximately 1,125 GW, about 80 km off the coast of Ulsan.
In the future, this wind farm is expected to supply about 4,000 GWh of electricity annually to 1.3 million households, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3 million tCO2eq per year.
With this approval, KFWind plans to implement the agreed environmental measures throughout the construction and operation of the floating offshore wind farm, while also conducting post-construction environmental impact surveys to closely examine any potential effects during both construction and operation periods. Through these efforts, KFWind aims to create a wind farm that can coexist with local residents, including fishermen in the surrounding area.
In particular, KFWind plans to work with local fishing organizations in Ulsan to conduct year-round marine fish surveys, building a database to observe and track changes in fish habitats near the wind farm and to establish an environmentally friendly and sustainable offshore wind farm.
The environmental impact assessment for offshore wind power projects is a comprehensive process that evaluates potential environmental impacts from construction and operation and establishes mitigation plans. KFWind will reflect mitigation measures developed based on field survey data in its project plans to minimize anticipated environmental impacts.
Through an environmental impact assessment conducted in accordance with international environmental standards, KFWind analyzed the effects on the marine ecosystem, seabed habitats, marine mammals, and marine physics in the Ulsan coastal area, and for the first time globally, comprehensively evaluated both marine environmental and social impacts in waters up to a maximum depth of 400 meters.
After a preliminary review in April 2022 to determine assessment items and scope, the investigation began, and in June, the environmental impact assessment report, including the survey results, was submitted to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and other relevant authorities.
Park Jangho, Head of Project at KFWind, said, "We are very proud to have obtained approval for the environmental impact assessment, which is a significant milestone for the floating offshore wind power project. With this approval, KFWind will thoroughly prepare for the construction of the wind farm, aiming to successfully build an offshore wind farm based on coexistence with the local community and environment, thereby contributing to Korea's future renewable energy supply plans."
The company is a joint venture established by Ocean Winds, a global leader in floating offshore wind power based in Spain, and Mainstream Renewable Power, the offshore wind development arm of Norway's Aker Group, a specialist in offshore plant engineering.
Ulsan-based Geumyang Green Power, a local company specializing in electrical equipment and wind power, is participating as a local partner in the East Blue Power (EBP) wind farm being developed by KFWind.
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