SK Innovation E&S’s Jeonnam Offshore Wind Farm Phase 1 began commercial operations on May 16, marking a significant milestone as Korea’s largest privately-led offshore wind project.
Located 9 kilometers off the coast of Sinan County in South Jeolla Province, the 96-megawatt facility consists of 10 wind turbines generating approximately 913,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity daily.
The project represents the first completed component of an ambitious plan by South Jeolla Province and Sinan County to develop the world’s largest offshore wind complex with a total capacity of 8.2 gigawatts by 2035.
SK Innovation E&S holds a 51% stake in the venture, with Danish energy investment firm Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners owning the remaining 49%. The companies secured necessary permits beginning in 2017, with construction starting in March 2023 and turbine installation completed last December.
The company plans to expand with Phase 2 and Phase 3 projects by 2031, each with 399-megawatt capacity, creating a complex equivalent to one domestic nuclear power plant.
South Korea has set a target of reaching 14.3 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030, a substantial increase from the current 0.1 gigawatts installed capacity.
Industry analysts note the project faces challenges including grid integration and local supply chain development as Korea attempts to decrease dependence on imported energy technology.
