[Report] A Major Shift in the Energy Era... Jeonnam Leads the Growth of the Offshore Wind Power Industry

Jeollanam-do Offshore Wind Power Industry Expo Draws Large Crowd on the 18th
Over 1,000 Attendees Including Local Governments, Companies, and Citizens
Jeonnam Emerges as a Renewable Energy Hub with Offshore Wind Power
Potential Confirmed for Growth as a Key Future Industry for the Region

Many citizens and officials attended the Jeollanam-do Offshore Wind Power Industry Expo held at the Yeosu Expo Convention Center in Jeollanam-do on the 18th. Photo by Shim Jinseok

At 3:00 p.m. on the 18th, the Jeollanam-do Offshore Wind Power Industry Expo was held at the Yeosu Expo Convention Hall. Even before the official event began, approximately 1,000 participants?including representatives from energy-related industries, local government officials, and citizens?gathered to witness the past, present, and future of Jeonnam as it prepares for a major transition from the fossil fuel era to the era of decarbonized energy. Their presence demonstrated significant interest in the event.

This day was particularly meaningful, as it marked the first announcement of the 13GW Eastern Offshore Wind Power Vision and signaled a new leap forward for Jeonnam’s offshore wind power industry.

On both the first and second floors of the venue, about 40 booths were set up by companies participating in offshore wind power projects across Jeonnam?including Shinan and Yeonggwang?as well as manufacturers and suppliers of offshore wind power equipment and power generation companies, welcoming visitors.

The offshore wind power sector is largely composed of wind turbines, foundational structures such as monopiles, power grid connection facilities like offshore substations and subsea cables, and operation and maintenance systems.

At each booth, the companies’ technological capabilities were detailed on display boards, making it easy for visitors unfamiliar with offshore wind power to understand. Company representatives were frequently seen directly explaining difficult terms to visitors who asked questions. From safety personnel stationed throughout the venue to event staff, efforts to minimize inconvenience for visitors were evident everywhere.

Jeonnam Province has focused on presenting a vision for offshore wind power generation and drawing the attention of local residents. As the global push for carbon neutrality accelerates, Jeonnam has consistently demonstrated the potential of its offshore wind power projects, leveraging its exceptional natural environment.

At the Jeollanam-do Offshore Wind Power Industry Expo held on the 18th at the Yeosu Expo Convention Center in Jeollanam-do, Governor Kim Youngrok of Jeollanam-do, along with local mayors, county heads, and representatives from offshore wind power-related companies, gathered to sign a business agreement. Photo by Shim Jinseok

As of 2023, Jeonnam accounted for more than half of the nation’s offshore wind power generation permits, totaling about 16GW (57.9%). Of this, there are plans to establish a 6GW-scale complex centered on Shinan County by 2031.

In April of this year, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy designated 10 complexes in the Shinan offshore area (totaling 3.2GW) as a “renewable energy cluster,” laying the groundwork for further development. Offshore wind power infrastructure is also actively being established in Yeonggwang, Yeosu, Haenam, and other areas.

Additionally, the direct and indirect experiences accumulated in Shinan and other regions?where profits generated from solar and wind energy are shared with residents in the implementation of an “energy basic income”?have fueled interest in this expo. Recently, as blue ocean businesses such as AI data centers that utilize electric energy have gained attention, local residents are increasingly focused on the growth potential of offshore wind power.

One visitor to the expo commented, “I had heard about offshore wind power through the media, but I didn’t know the details. After coming here today, I realized how diverse and advanced the technologies are. It’s amazing that the wind can generate electricity and energy, and even bring financial benefits.”

The main event, which began at 3:30 p.m., further heightened the excitement. Through a screen in front of the stage, the current status and future vision of offshore wind power in Jeonnam were introduced in detail, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

Notably, many county heads and mayors from regions where offshore wind power generation is being promoted or is already underway also attended the event, reaffirming the elevated status of the offshore wind power industry in Jeonnam.

On the 18th, Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok, who attended the Jeollanam-do Offshore Wind Power Industry Expo held at Yeosu Expo Convention in Jeonnam, is touring the event booths and receiving explanations from officials. Photo by Shim Jinseok

Governor Kim Youngrok of Jeonnam, who attended the event, stated, “When we began promoting offshore wind power in Shinan in 2019, we faced many difficulties, but now it has been successfully established.” He continued, “By 2035, we will build an offshore wind power complex with a capacity of about 30GW. We will redefine the offshore wind power ecosystem,” setting a determined tone for the future.

When the “Business Agreement for the Creation of a Provincial Fund for Energy Basic Income” and the “Agreement for the Establishment of a Supply Chain for Equipment” were signed, accompanied by a spectacular laser light performance, applause erupted throughout the venue. There was a shared sense that Jeonnam had declared its ambition to become the “energy capital.”

Seo Janghun, an employee of K-Wind Power who participated in the event, said, “There are many areas in offshore wind power, especially turbines, that require advanced technology, and domestic companies are actively conducting research. I believe this expo is an opportunity to showcase these technologies both domestically and internationally. While there are still areas where we lag behind Europe, we have the capability to catch up.”

Ryu Jaeyong, director at KBETS Co., Ltd., also commented, “The potential for development in the domestic offshore wind power industry is limitless. However, a transition toward clustering, such as the creation of large-scale offshore wind power complexes, is necessary. If we gradually address the areas for improvement, domestic offshore wind power companies will be fully competitive.”

Meanwhile, the Jeollanam-do Offshore Wind Power Industry Expo will run for two days, until the 19th.