The race to expand South Korea’s offshore wind capacity has taken a major step forward after a consortium led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) was selected as the preferred bidder for the 800MW Jeonbuk Southwest Offshore Wind Expansion Complex Phase 1 project. The milestone positions the consortium to deliver one of the country’s largest publicly led offshore wind developments. Jeonbuk offshore wind farm also reinforces South Korea’s strategy to increase renewable energy deployment while strengthening domestic manufacturing and regional economic growth.
Latest Development
KHNP announced that its consortium had been selected as the preferred bidder for the public project. This was after an evaluation that assessed public value, implementation capability and commitments to local community development.
According to the KHNP, the consortium intends to sign a formal implementation agreement with Jeonbuk Province before the end of August 2026. This will allow detailed development work to move into its next phase.
KHNP President Kim Hoe-cheon also said the consortium would work closely with Jeonbuk Province. This will include local communities and participating companies to deliver the project. All this will be while supporting South Korea’s offshore wind policy and strengthening the domestic wind power industry.
Consortium Members
The KHNP-led consortium includes several of South Korea’s leading energy, engineering, financial and industrial companies:
- Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (Lead Developer)
- Korea East-West Power
- KEPCO KPS
- KEPCO Engineering & Construction
- Hanwha Ocean
- Doosan Enerbility
- IBK Financial Group
- Samil C&S
- Jungang Offshore & Heavy Industries
Jeonbuk Southwest Offshore Wind Expansion Complex Phase 1 Project Overview
The project involves the construction of an 800MW offshore wind farm within the larger 2.4GW Southwest Offshore Wind Complex situated offshore from Buan County in Jeonbuk Province.
Once completed, the wind farm is expected to contribute substantially to South Korea’s renewable electricity generation capacity. The 800MW Jeonbuk Offshore Wind Project will also support industrial development and employment throughout the region.
Key Project Facts
Location: Buan County
Capacity: 800MW
Overall Wind Complex: 2.4GW
Current Status: KHNP-led consortium selected as preferred bidder
Next Expected Milestone: Implementation agreement expected by end of August 2026
Jeonbuk Project in South Korea’s Offshore Wind Landscape
The 800MW project forms part of the broader 2.4GW Southwest Offshore Wind Complex located off the coast of Buan County in Jeonbuk Province. The development is designed as a public-led project, requiring public institutions to collectively hold at least a 50% ownership stake.
South Korea has also identified offshore wind as a cornerstone of its long-term decarbonization plan. This is evidenced by mega-developments such as the 8.2GW Sinan Offshore Wind Project. Seoul also aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while creating a competitive domestic supply chain for turbines, foundations, vessels and maintenance services. Projects such as the Jeonbuk complex are also expected to stimulate significant investment across the country’s engineering, manufacturing and maritime industries.
Outlook on Jeonbuk Phase 1 Development
With preferred the KNHP-led consortium selected, immediate project priority will be concluding the implementation agreement with Jeonbuk Province. Also expected is start of engineering, permitting and procurement (EPC) activities.
The 800MW Jeonbuk Offshore Wind Project is also expected to become one of South Korea’s flagship offshore wind developments. It also builds momentum for additional phases within the wider 2.4GW Southwest Offshore Wind Complex as South Korea continues expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
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