RWE Wins Key Permit for 495 MW South Korean Offshore Wind Project

Business development

April 4, 2024, by Adnan Memija

RWE has been awarded a 495 MW Electricity Business License (EBL) by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy of South Korea to develop the Seohae offshore wind project, off the coast of Taean County.

RWE Seohae offshore wind project — *Source: RWE*

The license grants RWE its first exclusive development rights for offshore wind in South Korea since the company opened an office in Seoul in 2021.

The award of an EBL, a mandatory requirement that permits companies to generate and supply electricity in Korea, is a significant milestone for RWE in the development of its first South Korean offshore wind project, said the company.

“This first Electricity Business Licence is a key milestone in the further development of our Seohae offshore wind project. As RWE, we are dedicated to delivering clean, sustainable renewable energy and helping to achieve Korea’s renewable energy targets. We would like to thank the Korean government and local stakeholders for their trust in us and for supporting our project,” said Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind.

The next step in the development of the Seohae project is to work with local suppliers to continue Engineering and Environmental Impact Assessment studies and engage with the local county and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to plan and secure a grid connection agreement.

The 495 MW Seohae offshore wind farm is planned to be built approximately 45 kilometres off the coast of Taean County in South Korea’s Chungcheongnam Province.

RWE has established an offshore wind project development pipeline of 3 GW in South Korea which will support the country’s transition to net zero by 2050, according to the company.

The firm’s South Korean development portfolio includes the abovementioned Seohae project in Taean County, the 510 MW Neulsaem Ui project in the waters off Shinan County, and the 2 GW Hanee Baram project in Incheon.

RWE has also established an offshore wind co-development partnership with Hyundai Engineering & Construction.