South Korea adopts government-led site planning for offshore wind

South Korea has announced plans to designate 25 GW of preliminary offshore wind zones by 2031 as it introduces a government-led approach to project siting (Government press release, 02/09/2026). The government said the new system will replace the current approach, under which developers identify sites themselves, consult with local residents and undertake the permitting process. Under the new framework, authorities will instead identify suitable locations based on information covering wind conditions, environmental factors, fishing activity, maritime traffic and military operations. The government added that the 25 GW of preliminary zones are expected to enable around 20 GW of additional offshore wind deployment, supporting 45 GW of cumulative offshore wind capacity by 2040.

Meanwhile, Pacifico Energy Korea, the Korea-based development platform of Pacifico Energy, has submitted an investment declaration worth more than USD1bn for the 990 MW Manho and 1.8 GW Jindo Baram offshore wind projects in South Korea (Pacifico Energy Korea press release, 04/09/2026). Pacifico Energy is developing a 3.2 GW offshore wind cluster off Jindo County, comprising three projects: Myeong Ryang, Manho and Jindo Baram offshore wind projects.

“Myeong Ryang Offshore Wind, as the first phase of the overall cluster, has secured its Electricity Business License and completed a preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment. Manho Offshore Wind, the second phase, and Jindo Baram Offshore Wind, the third phase, were selected in August as the sole project developers for the government-designated 2.13 GW “Jindo Phase 2 Offshore Wind Integrated Cluster”, said the company in its press release.