"A Turning Point for Resolving Structural Uncertainties in Offshore Wind Power
Clear, Practical Standards Needed Through the Enforcement Decree"
The Korea Wind Energy Industry Association announced on the 15th that it sincerely welcomes both the "Offshore Wind Power Infrastructure Expansion and Deployment Plan" jointly announced by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and related ministries, as well as the recent pre-announcement of legislation for the "Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on the Promotion of Offshore Wind Power Deployment and Industry Development."
The association stated, "This policy package and the pre-announcement of the enforcement decree are extremely timely measures that comprehensively demonstrate the government's strong commitment to expanding offshore wind power deployment in Korea, which had long stagnated due to a shortage of ports and installation vessels, complex permitting procedures, financial and supply chain uncertainties, and issues with local acceptance." The association further evaluated, "The simultaneous presentation of legal, institutional, infrastructure, and financial policies marks a critical turning point that will resolve the structural uncertainties facing the entire offshore wind power industry."
The association added, "The government's clear deployment targets of 10.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 25 GW by 2035, along with actionable policy directions such as expanding port and installation vessel (WTIV) infrastructure to enable annual construction of more than 4 GW, introducing planned site development to shorten permitting periods, and strengthening financial support through the expansion of national growth funds, guarantees, and loans, will serve as a decisive opportunity for the industry to secure predictability and business viability."
The association continued, "The development of regional support ports in Incheon, Gunsan, Mokpo, and Ulsan, as well as the early acquisition plan for 15 MW-class WTIVs, will play a key role in resolving the infrastructure bottlenecks that have been the main cause of project delays. In addition, measures such as prior military operational reviews, adherence to environmental impact assessment timelines, and the early launch of the Offshore Wind Power Promotion Task Force will significantly reduce uncertainties in the permitting process and greatly contribute to mitigating the long-term risks of offshore wind power projects."
The association also stated, "Policies to strengthen industrial competitiveness, such as the development of ultra-large 20 megawatt (MW) domestic turbines and the establishment of floating offshore wind demonstration infrastructure, will provide a crucial foundation for Korean companies to secure technological and industrial leadership in the global offshore wind supply chain. Furthermore, the establishment of a standard model for resident participation and the creation of a benefit-sharing structure are highly meaningful, as they are essential elements for the sustainable deployment of offshore wind power based on local coexistence."
The association emphasized, "The recently pre-announced enforcement decree of the special act on offshore wind power is a key institutional mechanism to support these policy directions. By specifying the planned site development system, systematizing permitting procedures, and clearly defining the roles of relevant ministries, it will enhance the consistency and stability of offshore wind power project implementation. The industry expects the enforcement decree to provide clear standards and procedures that are practically applicable in the field, and hopes that voices from the field will continue to be reflected in future subordinate regulations and operational processes."
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