South Korea passes ‘special act’ to turbocharge offshore wind

The special offshore wind power bill was approved by the legislature last month (19 February) as part of a three-part package of new energy legislation. 

It aims to create a “one-stop shop” for offshore wind projects to simplify site selection and permitting and licence procedures.

The government will now lead on selecting sites for future offshore wind farms – moving away from the previous ‘open door’, developer-led system. Korea will continue its auction system for offshore wind tariffs, through which it aims to support up to 8GW of new capacity by the end of 2026.

The bill is designed to overcome local opposition from residents and fishermen to offshore wind development by exploring compensation measures as seen in other offshore wind markets around the world, and ensure communities share in the benefits of wind power development in their area through local government efforts. 

The passage of the bill received praise from industry body the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

“The passage of the ‘one-stop-shop bill’ signals the South Korean government’s strong commitment to accelerating offshore wind deployment… This bill will drive investment, fast-track wind power development and help South Korea reach its net-zero targets even faster,” said Janice Cheong, deputy director at GWEC.   

South Korea has a target to install 14.3GW of offshore wind by the end of the decade, up from around 250MW today, according to Windpower Intelligence, the research and data division of Windpower Monthly. 

GWEC’s CEO Ben Backwell told Windpower Monthly: “The establishment of government-designated offshore wind zones is expected to significantly reduce permitting timelines for developers opting into the government-led process. This streamlined approach will enhance transparency in administrative procedures, bring clarity to site selection, and improve stakeholder engagement with local communities and fisheries.”

After the National Assembly’s approval of the new legislation, South Korea now aims to publish its plan for implementation and enforcement regulations of the new rules. 

“During the transition period, we anticipate that project developers who have already initiated their development processes and secured Electricity Business Licenses (EBLs) and/or Public Waters Occupancy and Use Permit may continue to operate under a developer-led approach,” Backwell said.