South Jeolla Province is launching an all-out effort to build a renewable energy-centered industrial ecosystem following the designation of 7.3GW offshore wind cluster zones within the province, as approved by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.
"With two new zones in Jindo waters (3.6GW) and the expansion of Shinan waters to 3.7GW, South Jeolla has secured ultra-large offshore wind cluster zones totaling 7.3GW," said Park Sook-hee, Director of the Offshore Wind Industry Division at South Jeolla Province, on the 17th. "This achievement will serve as a crucial turning point for South Jeolla to lead Korea's future energy industry."
The Shinan 3.7GW and Jindo 3.6GW projects are expected to mark a significant transition as Korea's offshore wind industry enters a full-scale growth phase.
South Jeolla Province has worked closely with the central government to address key issues including military operational compatibility, fishery coexistence, and power grid infrastructure.
The designation carries additional significance as these large-scale zones were secured under the existing regulatory framework ahead of the Special Act on Promotion of Offshore Wind Power and Industry Development, which takes effect on the 26th.
With this cluster zone designation, South Jeolla has established a foundation to become Korea's renewable energy hub through large-scale offshore wind farm development, attraction of global wind power companies and equipment manufacturers, power grid-based energy industry development, and recruitment of high-tech industries with significant power demands such as AI and data centers.
The province plans to fulfill conditions presented during the designation process, including military operational consultations, through close coordination with relevant ministries and military authorities by year-end.
South Jeolla also intends to establish a structure for reasonably sharing renewable energy profits with local communities, creating an energy industry model that grows together with the region. In conjunction with the implementation of the Offshore Wind Special Act, the province will continue identifying new preliminary zones and building an industrial ecosystem to position itself as the center of Korea's offshore wind industry.
