[Interview] Grandes Ecoles Professor: "Job Creation Makes Renewable Energy Fields Popular Among Students"

Advice and Solutions for South Korea's Offshore Wind Power
Insights from Professor Sandrine Aubrun
Offshore Wind Power Researcher at Ecole Centrale Nantes

Professor Sandrine Aubrun of Ecole Centrale Nantes, who is researching offshore wind power in Nantes, a major city in western France, is giving an interview to Asia Economy on June 5. Photo by Jeon Jinyoung

 

In France, nuclear power accounts for 70% of energy production. However, there is also a strong commitment to expanding renewable energy sources such as offshore wind power. France's offshore wind farms began with the first operation in the western region of Saint-Nazaire in 2022, and expanded last year to the Normandy coast (Fecamp) and the Brittany coast (Saint-Brieuc). In June, France's first floating offshore wind power plant opened on the coast near Marseille. France has set a plan to produce 18 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2035 and more than 45 gigawatts by 2050. One gigawatt is enough to reliably supply electricity to about one million households.

South Korea has remained in the early stages of offshore wind power adoption for several years. What direction should it take in the future? On June 5, we spoke with Professor Sandrine Aubrun of Ecole Centrale Nantes, who is researching offshore wind power in the western French city of Nantes. Ecole Centrale Nantes is one of France's top ten engineering grandes ?coles (elite higher education institutions) and was founded in 1919. Professor Aubrun served as president of the European Wind Energy Association from 2015 to 2017 and received a scientific award from the association last year for her research on the aerodynamics of wind turbine wakes. The following is a Q&A.

-Why was Saint-Nazaire chosen as the site for France's first offshore wind farm?

▲Saint-Nazaire was able to resolve issues with opponents of the offshore wind farm construction more quickly and effectively than other locations. Around ten years ago, multiple offshore wind farm projects were launched simultaneously in various regions throughout France. In addition to Saint-Nazaire, several other cities were considered, but most faced numerous lawsuits from groups such as fishermen's associations and associations of vacation home owners. Strong opposition made it difficult to proceed quickly in those areas.

-Foreign companies have played a leading role in offshore wind power. Was there any backlash in France?

▲At the time of the bidding announcement, the French government set conditions to promote the development of domestic industry. Companies involved in offshore wind power are mainly from Germany, Denmark, and the United States. All three are foreign companies, but they have established factories in France. The towers supporting the offshore wind turbines and the electrical systems are all produced in French factories. In this way, the French wind power industry has been able to develop gradually.

A view of the LHEEA laboratory owned by Ecole Centrale Nantes. As a research institute affiliated with the French National Center for Scientific Research, it conducts research using theoretical, numerical, and experimental methods focusing on oceanography, automotive engines, and atmospheric environment fields. It possesses and operates a very large-scale experimental platform for an academic research institution, including marine engineering tanks, linear test tanks, recirculating tanks, and wind tunnel facilities. Photo by Lee Hyunju

-Does Ecole Centrale Nantes have a department related to offshore wind power?

▲We offer courses on offshore wind power and train engineers through various specialized programs. The introductory course is called "marine engineering," and it covers all areas related to marine and offshore installations. In the past, marine engineering mainly focused on how to extract oil and gas. However, with the energy transition, the focus has shifted toward offshore renewable energy. Ten years ago, students wanted to work in the oil and gas industry, but now they want to work in clean energy fields such as wind power generation.

-What are the economic benefits of offshore wind farms for local communities?

▲Many job opportunities have been created in operations, maintenance, and installation. On average, about 50 technicians are permanently employed at maintenance bases. The tourism industry has also developed. Offshore wind tourism centers have been established, and local tourism offices now operate tours that allow people to see offshore wind turbines from the sea. Saint-Nazaire was originally a very industrial city, but since the construction of the offshore wind farm, the tourism sector has grown significantly.

Professor Ubrun said in an interview with Asia Economy, "Coal, oil, and gas are often dependent on other countries," adding, "By diversifying energy sources, we must always secure alternative solutions and avoid excessive reliance on specific suppliers." Photo by Jin Jungyoung

-What activities were undertaken to minimize opposition from local residents?

▲In France, when building an offshore wind farm, companies hold public hearings to explain the project to residents and listen to their feedback. When the developer organizes a public hearing, local governments, city halls, and regional public institutions participate in the process. Residents can express their opinions in favor of or against the project.

In November 2023, the National Public Debate Commission also organized a nationwide public hearing on offshore wind power. The hearings were held in all coastal regions of France, and citizens discussed how they envision the next 10 or 20 years, where they want offshore wind farms to be located, and what energy solutions they want to see. Through this nationwide debate, which lasted about two months, the French government was able to gain insights into what should be considered when developing new wind farms in the future.

The government has maintained a consistent policy on renewable energy. Recently, some far-right parties have called for the dismantling of onshore wind turbines, creating discord. Nevertheless, it appears likely that the renewable energy policy will be maintained. There is a shared understanding that diversifying energy sources to avoid excessive dependence on specific suppliers is important.

This feature was supported by the Press Promotion Fund, which is financed by government advertising fees.