The South Korean government plans to designate 25 GW of preliminary offshore wind zones by 2031 as part of a new government-led system for identifying sites for offshore wind development. Under the new system, the government will take a greater role in identifying suitable areas before developers are selected.
The government plans to designate the first 2–3 GW of preliminary zones by the end of 2026. The zones will be identified using information on wind resources, environmental conditions, fishing activities, shipping routes and military operations.
Local governments will also be involved in the process, including efforts to secure acceptance from local communities and other stakeholders before projects proceed.
The government expects the 25 GW of preliminary zones to support around 20 GW of additional offshore wind capacity. It has set a target of 45 GW of cumulative offshore wind capacity by 2040.
Under the planned-location system, offshore wind deployment is expected to begin from 2033.
