South Korea to build world’s largest offshore wind farm

The authorities of South Korea signed this Friday a contract of $ 43.2 billion for the construction of offshore wind farm the largest in the world.

South Korea lacks traditional energy resources, as it currently depends mainly on its imported coal, which supplies 40% of its electricity.

As coal is a highly polluting energy resource, the country has set itself the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Center-left President Moon Jae-in is also seeking to phase out nuclear power and thus place massive bets on wind, hydropower and solar.

The President oversaw the signing of the $ 43.2 billion contract for the construction of a gigantic wind farm off Sinan, located in the southwest of the country, whose maximum capacity will be 8.2 gigawatts.

Moon pointed out that it will be seven times the size of the world’s largest offshore wind farm and will produce energy comparable to six nuclear power plants. In addition, he underlined its privileged geographical position on the peninsula.

“We have an infinite potential for offshore wind energy and the best technology in the world in this field”, declared the head of state.

The agreement involves 33 different entities which include regional governments, the power company Kepco and large private companies such as Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction and SK E&S.

Moon said work may not start for five years or more, although he assured that the government will endeavor to accelerate this process.

Last year Seoul announced its goal of entering the top 5 wind power producing countries in the world by 2030. South Korea currently has 24 nuclear power plants, the highest density in the world.